QATAR. We are pleased to share a New Year’s message from Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations Thabet Musleh to business partners and friends across the travel retail industry.
“As 2020 draws to a close I wanted to send you a note to say thank you all – both personally, and on behalf of the whole team – for continually supporting Qatar Duty Free in what has probably been the most challenging year in our 20 year history,” writes Thabet Musleh.
“However, challenges require us to innovate and thanks to your flexibility, collaboration and determination, we were able to work together in the face of adversity to turn one of the greatest setbacks to the travel retail industry into an opportunity. We took advantage of reduced passenger traffic to accelerate the remodeling of our core duty free store, and opened a new beauty concept store, a multi-brand women’s fashion store, Penhaligon’s and Carolina Herrera pop up stores, as well as launching a Hublot boutique and the first Loro Piana travel retail boutique in the Middle East. Our investment has clearly paid off with sales outperforming passenger traffic and a significant increase in SPP YoY.
“That we were able to deliver worldwide and regional firsts as well as exclusive product launches is a testament to the faith you have put in us at QDF. After all, our joint success is based on mutual respect, hard work, and – most importantly – trust. As we have seen this year, these foundations are more important than ever in challenging times.
“Looking to 2021 and beyond, we will continue to invest in the continued improvement of our retail and F&B offer – both in the existing airport space as well as new areas created by HIA’s expansion. We also have some very exciting new projects outside the airport here at home in Doha. I cannot wait to tell you more about our impressive line-up of product exclusives, new stores, and F&B outlets for next year, and very much look forward to working together to bring these to life.
“We are also very excited to welcome the winners and finalists of the inaugural QDF Factor to HIA next year, who bring with them some truly unique concepts and products to the travel retail environment. Thank you to all those who got involved.
“No one can be sure of what 2021 will bring, but I feel humbled and reassured to know that my colleagues and I can count on each other and our partners to find solutions to any challenge, together. With our combined effort, anything is possible!”
*For more on Qatar Airways and Qatar Duty Free and their contribution to the industry in 2020, see also Martin Moodie’s final Blog of 2020.
