MOLDOVA. Leading duty free retailer Dufremol has hailed the impact of its walk-through store at Chisinau International Airport, opened last December, and said it is seeking expansion in the airport and border shop business.
As part of a major airport development prompted by surging traffic figures, the company more than doubled the size of its Departures duty free store to 1,000sq m last year. The key categories by space allocation are P&C (350sq m), wines & spirits (300sq m) and fashion & accessories (220sq m) with generous space also for destination products.
The fashion business is new for Dufremol, the company said, with corners for brands such as Armani Jeans, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Monalisa and Boss Kids.
Dufremol said: “Due to the Chisinau Airport shop reconstruction, the increasing area and wider assortment, we have had a good sales increase in 2016. [That includes a] +21% increase in the P&C category, +19% in fashion & accessories and LTC and local goods are also increasing significantly.”
The beauty business has benefited most, noted the retailer. “After the reconstruction and significant increase of the P&C area, we offer our customers new premium perfumes and skincare brands, including niche items, demand for which is rising in the last few months.”
Dufremol also highlighted the growing role of destination goods in the mix, with a focus on Moldovan wines and artisanal products.
In April the company also opened a 70sq m Arrivals store at the airport. In June it launched a ‘click & collect’ service allowing travellers to order online and pick up at the airport.
Dufremol (owned by Ms Ilona Shor) also has a substantial border shop business in eastern Europe, including eight in Moldova on the Romania and Ukraine frontiers. With traffic rising sharply at the popular Leuseni crossing, the company has embarked on an expansion and refurbishment of the store at this crossing with Romania.
Outside Moldova, Dufremol has airport and border operations in Kyrgyzstan. It said it was planning to develop these and to seek expansion in further regional markets.
*A full report on Dufremol’s business will appear in the Cannes Print Edition of The Moodie Davitt Report.
