North America News

(15-Nov-2006) CANADA. The introduction of a private visitor tax rebate programme (VRP) was the main focus for discussion at the annual Frontier Duty Free Association’s (FDFA) operators’ meeting on November 12, held during the association’s twenty-second annual convention in Niagara Falls.

(15-Nov-2006) Watches supplier Fossil is to open a Miami showroom and office to serve the Caribbean cruise and port store markets

(15-Nov-2006) US travel retailer HMSHost is extending its fashion apparel concept, under the widely-adopted Destination fascia, to four more locations

(15-Nov-2006) The familiar crocodile motif on Lacoste apparel is set to be snapped up at airport locations worldwide, according to chairman and CEO Michel Lacoste

(15-Nov-2006) L’Oréal Paris is to close its 32sq m (345sq ft) stand-alone store with World Duty Free at London Heathrow terminal four this month, as part of a plan to end its commitment to operating stand-alone stores

(15-Nov-2006) Selective Beauty has signed an agreement to create, develop and distribute fragrances for Iceberg, the fashion brand owned by the Gilmar Group

(15-Nov-2006) Airport retailer Aelia has reported a boost in wine sales following a big wine promotion at its French airport stores throughout October

(15-Nov-2006) US-based cigar supplier JC Newman has reported strong growth in Asia/Pacific travel-retail thanks to a new focus on the market and the appointment of former British-American Tobacco travel-retail executive David Tomlin as a consultant

(15-Nov-2006) Italian luxury chocolate manufacturer Venchi is preparing to expand its fledgling retail operation (DFNI December 1 2005) in Italy and beyond and has begun talks with a view to adding premium ice cream to its offer

(15-Nov-2006) Godiva Chocolatier has outlined its five-year strategy involving a greater focus on retail activity, brand modernisation, an additional layer of management and an overhaul of its merchandising units