GERMANY. Gebr Heinemann has extended its travel retail concession with TUI Cruises until 2024. The companies, both based in Hamburg, have been partners for the past eight years.
Heinemann runs the stores onboard three ships under the Wohlfühlschiffe (‘feel good’) name and will also run the contract for 520sq m of space onboard Mein Schiff 5, as well as future ships Mein Schiff 6, Mein Schiff 7 and Mein Schiff 8.
The contract was signed by TUI Cruises CEO Wybcke Meier, Gebr Heinemann Executive Director Retail Raoul Spanger and Gebr Heinemann Cruise Liner Managing Director Holger Schröder.
“The cruise ship market is growing strongly worldwide and Gebr Heinemann has a long and active tradition in this segment. Our long-term collaboration with TUI Cruises is based on the vision of turning shops into great experiences for the customer,” said Raoul Spanger.
“We are delighted to continue to have a strong partner in the form of Gebr Heinemann on board our ‘Mein Schiff’ fleet, and to offer our guests a comprehensive and varied shopping experience on the world’s oceans,” added Wybcke Meier.
The Hamburg-based travel retailer takes its Heinemann shopping brand onboard Mein Schiff 5 for the first time. The offer includes fashion, toys and games, tobacco and spirits in the 280sq m ‘Meine Lebenslust’ store on deck four, and opposite an 83sq m perfumery, ‘Meine Schönheit’, which also carries sunglasses.
On deck five an 87sq m accessories shop, ‘Meine Freude’, houses jewellery, watches and leathergoods. The 65sq m jeweller’s shop ‘Mein Glanz’ lies on the same deck.
The stores each feature natural finishes, said Gebr Heinemann. In the fashion area this is emphasised by natural wood, while the perfumery and the jewellery shop feature black slate.
Gebr Heinemann Cruise Liner Director Ricarda Frentzel-Beyme said: “On ‘Mein Schiff 5’ we specifically aligned our wide range of products with the various needs of the passengers, with plenty of variety so that we can offer every guest on board an interesting brand portfolio during their dream holiday.
“This is also guided by current trends. For example, the range of jewellery and watches is supplemented by the brands Michael Kors, Thomas Sabo, Solitaire World of Diamonds and Gucci. We engage the guests with many activities and promotions in our shops, such as fashion or make-up shows, and we are happy if shopping in the Heinemann shops is one of their wonderful holiday moments.”
