BRAZIL. WHSmith and Duty Free Americas (DFA) have opened seven stores at RIOgaleão Tom Jobim International, Brazil’s third largest international airport. It marks WHSmith’s entry into South America.
As reported, WHSmith and DFA were awarded the contract earlier this year. The stores are located across international departures, domestic departures and the main entrance areas of the airport. The offer includes books, magazines, travel accessories, souvenirs, confectionery and drinks, with tailored ranges for RIOgaleão’s passengers and staff. The stores feature WHSmith’s latest design, with elements of localisation reflecting Rio de Janeiro’s cultural status.
RIOgaleão Head of Commercial Leandro Dantas said: “We are very satisfied with the final result and believe that the outcome is synonymous with the airport’s commercial strategy. Specified design and advertising play important roles in attracting the public, and adding to this the excellent product offer WHSmith has, we believe that passengers arriving or departing from Rio de Janeiro will feel that all of their needs are fully met. This is beneficial for both the passenger, and the airport.”
WHSmith International Managing Director Phil McNally added: “Our business in Tom Jobim International Airport marks the entry of the WHSmith brand into South America and we are very excited about the future prospects in this market. We have worked in close collaboration with the team at RIOgaleão Airport to design stores and a customer offering that we jointly believe will please all passengers at the airport.
“The stores at RIOgaleão also mark the beginning of the WHSmith and Duty Free Americas joint venture partnership in the region and we are delighted to be working together and look forward to growing our partnership in the South American market.”
DFA President Leon Falic said: “We are very excited about this first opening as it marks the beginning of a fruitful and prosperous relationship between WHSmith, RIOgaleão and DFA teams. With the opening of these seven specialist convenience stores, together we will offer the Brazilian market a new concept and customer experience that will add appeal and value for airport operators.”
