ARI cements five-year deal to run duty free shops at Montenegro airports

MONTENEGRO. Aer Rianta International (ARI) has confirmed the award of a five-year agreement to run the duty free retail concession at Tivat and Podgorica Airports in Montenegro. The agreement was first flagged last year, as reported, with new-look stores to open later this year.

How ARI foresees the new-look store at Tivat Airport taking shape (above and below)

ARI CEO Ray Hernan said: “Our decision to open new stores at Tivat and Pogorica this year is a sign of the strength of our balance sheet. We are still committed to profitable growth over the longer term and will invest in the Montenegro market for at least the next five years. It is also a sign of our commitment to the industry and our confidence that it will return to strength.”

ARI will run one 98.5sq m duty free store at Tivat Airport and another of 122sq m in Podgorica, branded as Montenegro Duty Free.

ARI will offer core categories including perfumes & cosmetics, liquor and confectionery as well as an extensive selection of designer sunglasses and jewellery, each of which are popular with the local Montenegrin traveller and tourists. Sense of Place will feature strongly with a broad choice of local wine, foods and destination branded souvenirs, gifts and toys.

New territory, new branding: Renders of the planned ARI store at Podgorica Airport

ARI said that the store concept is “fresh, modern and tailored to the passenger profile at each airport”, with the design for Tivat inspired by the beautiful coastal views and local scenery.

ARI Chief Operating Officer Nuno Amaral said: “We look forward to delivering a wonderful environment and safe shopping experience for our passengers in Podgorica and Tivat. We will bring a vast choice for our customers with premium spirits and luxury beauty brands like Chanel, Dior, Tom Ford and by Killian, aligning with the ambitions of the region to become a modern, glamorous, luxury destination.”

Airports of Montenegro Executive Director Danilo Orlandic said: “We at Airports of Montenegro are very pleased to be working with Aer Rianta International (ARI) as they venture into Montenegro for the first time, to operate the duty free shops in both Podgorica and Tivat Airports. ARI, as the founder of the duty free industry, has a long heritage of operating in new locations and working closely with partners in order to deliver a heightened and truly global standard of duty free shopping experiences.”

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