GREECE. Dufry has inaugurated the refurbished Hellenic Duty Free Shops at Rhodes International Airport.
The retailer’s new commercial spaces are located in both Intra and Extra Schengen areas of the airport, and cover 1,466sq m. This represents a +38% increase on the previous operating space.
Dufry said the new commercial area was inspired by, local culture and specific characteristics of the surrounding region. Local and traditional Greek products (including cosmetics) are available alongside mainstays in core categories such as perfumes & cosmetics, spirits, tobacco, luxury and fashion accessories.
Three shops have been inaugurated. A walk-through self-service store has a total commercial area of 1,074sq m. A ‘Hellenic Gourmet’ area in the centre of the store is intended to give travellers a last taste of Greece. It offers traditional dairy food and spirits from Rhodes and elsewhere in the country.
“ I am confident that passengers will appreciate the effort made and we will meet their highest expectations. Airports are the gates to the country and the first and last impression on your trip.” – Dufry Chairman Juan Carlos Torres Carretero
A 146sq m luxury area puts the emphasis on the latest trends in branded fashion items such as watches, accessories and sunglasses. Brands include Emporio Armani, Hugo Boss, Prada, Guess, Swarovski, Folli Follie and Swatch.
The 246sq m Last Minute store offers a smaller collection of bestselling products such as perfumes & cosmetics, tobacco, Greek products and souvenirs.
Construction works to refurbish and set up the new shops were completed in a short period of time in conjunction with Fraport Greece, the retailer said.
“Our relationship with Greece started five years ago and every year our sales and profits have increased,” said Dufry Chairman Juan Carlos Torres Carretero, making a rare appearance at an inauguration.
“We are committed to improve the customer experience in all Greek airports. I am confident that passengers will appreciate the effort made and we will meet their highest expectations. Airports are the gates to the country and the first and last impression on your trip. Our co-operation with Fraport Greece aims at improving the experience and providing a comfortable and enjoyable environment for all travellers.”
“This place is the best expression of European Greece. A place where tidiness, respect, smiles, elegance, courtesy and friendliness co-exist.” – Hellenic Duty Free Shops Managing Director Yorgos Velentzas
Dufry CEO Southern Europe & Africa Pedro Castro added: “It is a pleasure to come back to wonderful Rhodes and see the improvement of our commercial offer with the new shops inaugurated today.
“We have taken another step forward in our partnership with Fraport Greece, investing in developing a world class retail offer. Hellenic Duty Free Shops, as part of the Dufry group, with their enthusiastic and devoted team always deliver a ‘best in class’ experience to the customers.”
Hellenic Duty Free Shops Managing Director Yorgos Velentzas commented: “This place is the best expression of European Greece. A place where tidiness, respect, smiles, elegance, courtesy and friendliness co-exist. These elements are inspiring everyone, even the most ‘difficult’ Greek, to adapt to the environment and to feel wonderful. We believe that Hellenic Duty Free Shops also contribute in the creation of this unique environment.”
Fraport Greece Executive Director of Commercial & Business Development George Vilos concluded: “A year ago we started a strategic collaboration with Hellenic Duty Free Shops aiming for the creation and development of modern commercial spaces. Today, we are launching the new Hellenic Duty Free Shops at Rhodes Airport and this fills us with great pleasure to watch our vision being realised.
“Very soon, all 14 airports managed by Fraport Greece will have commercial areas designed according to international standards, worthy of the expectations of the passengers and the destinations served and offering an upgraded travel experience.”
