NEW ZEALAND. Lagardère Travel Retail has been awarded a wide-ranging ‘mini master’ concession at Christchurch International Airport, the main gateway to New Zealand’s South Island.
The eight-year contract will double the existing international retail space and includes six concepts – Aelia Duty Free in both arrivals and departures; Relay; a confectionery shop; a destination store; a Natural Fibre shop; and a flagship bar & café in departures.
The new offerings, covering 1,928 sqm of departures space and 544sqm in arrivals, will showcase the best of the South Island, together with leading global brands, Lagardère Travel Retail pledged.
Lagardère Travel Retail will take over the duty free space from long-time incumbent JR Duty Free – Aelia Duty Free commencing operations at the end of November. That’s in time for the peak holiday and tourist season.
“This win consolidates our position as the market-leading travel retailer operator in New Zealand.” – Lagardère Travel Retail Pacific CEO Przemyslaw Lesniak
The second phase of the project, commencing next March, will see a phased delivery of all the new concepts by the end of November 2019.
Lagardère Travel Retail Pacific CEO Przemyslaw Lesniak said that the company has enjoyed a strong and successful partnership with Christchurch airport since 2011. “It’s fantastic to reach this significant milestone and have the opportunity to build on our strong and trusting partnership,” he said.
“The alignment of the process between our vision for an innovative and unique retail experience, enhanced by the airport’s innovation and ‘out of the box’ thinking will ensure a memorable experience for the travellers in the gateway to the South Island of New Zealand. This win consolidates our position as the market-leading travel retailer operator in New Zealand.
The main store will be driven by what Lagardère Travel Retail described as Aelia Duty Free’s ‘four key pillars’ – the Art of the Gift, Facilitation, Care and Here and Nowhere else. The offer will showcase a strong Sense of Place through design elements, the company promised.
The company’s Relay Brand will offer a diverse array of Travel Essentials items. TikiTour, the retailer’s New Zealand destination concept, is designed to provide a unique New Zealand experience.
Specialist confectionery store So Chocolate will feature the popular New Zealand brand Whittaker’s (founded in Christchurch in 1896), while a Natural Fibre store will showcase wool, leather and active leisurewear.
Paul Ryan, Chief Strategy & Development Officer in the Pacific Region for Lagardère Travel Retail said the company was thrilled to be awarded the concession.
“It reinforces our strategic plan to operate three business units – Duty Free, Travel Essentials and Food Service – in one location,” he said. “Every detail has been well considered and tailored for the passengers travelling through the unique Christchurch Airport. We’re looking forward to bringing fresh innovation, interactive experiences and high-quality brand activations to our new concessions to enhance the customer journey.”
Christchurch Airport Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer Justin Watson said that the airport was excited to take the relationship with Lagardère Travel Retail to the next level. “We have strong aspirations both from an experiential and digital perspective and Lagardère stood out as the right partner to go on a journey with,” he commented. “As the international gateway to the South Island, we are uniquely placed to offer an experience that showcases the best of our place.”
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