HONG KONG. Hong Kong SkyMart, the major retail and catering facility at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), is set for another record-breaking year in sales.
Sales from January to November 2006 jumped +12.2% compared to the same period last year, meaning that sales performance outstripped passenger growth by +3.1%. Sales per passenger also increased by about +3%.
All categories of items recorded double-digit growth when compared to 2005, Airport Authority Hong Kong revealed. The strongest growth was seen in packaged food, with +19.2%, as well as in perfumes and cosmetics with +15.4%, and liquor and tobacco with +14.9%.
“With a very strong start in December in both passenger figures and spend per passenger… Hong Kong SkyMart will definitely set a new sales record for 2006.“ |
Hans Bakker, Commercial Director, Airport Authority Hong Kong |
December sales are expected to continue the trend. Hong Kong SkyMart had already reached last year’s total sales of over US$1 billion (HK$7.8 billion) by mid-November. Airport Authority Hong Kong noted: “With a very strong start in December in both passenger figures and spend per passenger, it is certain that there will be a double-digit growth this December. Combining these figures and trends, Hong Kong SkyMart will definitely set a new sales record for 2006.”
Commercial Director Hans Bakker said: “2006 has proven to be a very rewarding year for both Airport Authority Hong Kong and operators at Hong Kong SkyMart. Our success can be attributed to our continual review and analysis of our trade and merchandise mix, our in-store and mall promotions, our value for money campaigns, our tactical sales exhibitions and promotions and of course the hard work of our operators. Working closely with our operators, I am confident that we can deliver even better results in the future.”
The recent restrictions on carrying liquids on (initially) US and some European flights and later constraints on sales to passengers transiting in Europe has had little effect on sales, Airport Authority Hong Kong said. “This was due principally to the compensating effect of increased sales in other market segments and other categories of products,” it noted.
Airport Authority Hong Kong and operators also took proactive measures such as posting reminders about the [initial] liquid ban, and setting up a landside Temptation counter for passengers to purchase perfumes and cosmetics prior to check-in.
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