ESTONIA. Poland-based operator Baltona Duty Free has been awarded an exclusive seven-year duty free concession contract at Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport. It commences in the first quarter of 2018.
Baltona, a division of Flemingo International Group, has promised an exciting expression of Sense of Place in the redeveloped and expanded retail area at the airport. It will operate three shops with a total area of 980sq m, with the largest of the shops (around 800sq m) incorporating the airport’s first walk-through format.
The two other stores (totalling 180 sqm) will provide last-minute retail opportunities for transferring and Non-Schengen passengers.
The main duty free store will combine “a strong core offer that integrates extensive local input”, Baltona said. A selection of local specialities, including fine foods, souvenirs and traditional Estonian products, will be offered. A special tasting zone within the main store is intended to immerse customers in an authentic Estonian experience.
“Baltona has demonstrated not only a clear alignment to our vision for the airport but also a clear understanding of the needs of the retail customer,” said Tallinn Airport Chief Commercial Officer Eero Pärgmäe. “We are confident that, together, we can drive a new level of commercial performance for both companies and create engaging, exciting and satisfying retail experiences for the customer at Tallinn Airport.”
The retail space has been designed by London-based travel retail design specialists The Design Solution. It integrates traditional elements of Estonian culture with technology, and emphasis has been placed on using local natural materials – particularly local timbers to reflect the fact that 50% of Estonia’s land area is covered by forests.
The Design Solution Director Nick Taylor commented: “We wanted the space to feel absolutely integrated into the fabric of the airport, giving passengers a seamless experience borne out of a strong Sense of Place.”
Baltona Duty Free Business Development Manager Marcin Kiryluk commented: “The close cooperation between Baltona, Tallinn Airport and The Design Solution has helped to create an entertaining and meaningful retail experience that gives the shopper an authentic and memorable flavour of Estonia.”
CEO Piotr Kazimierski added: “Tallinn has a wonderful slogan – ‘Tallinn Airport will never be the largest in the world but it can be the world’s cosiest’ – and we have sought to express that spirit in the retail spaces. It is a small airport with a big personality, as reflected in its reputation as one of the most passenger-friendly airports in the world. Working closely with The Design Solution and the airport management we have ensured that we create a unique space that will not be simply a ‘stop on the journey’, but rather a place where passengers will feel comfortable and welcome.”
