UK. Autogrill today unveiled WDF as the single entity that integrates all its UK retail businesses.
In a statement, WDF CEO Mark Riches said: “Following the sale of World Duty Free by BAA to Autogrill and the subsequent integration with Alpha Retail, we have been working to create a new single UK retail business. WDF is launched today, 27th February 2009.”
From today WDF becomes the trading name of Autogrill Retail UK Ltd (which remains the legal entity). The name is derived from the acronym of Autogrill’s core UK retail businesses, World Duty Free. It has been abbreviated as a way of distinguishing the parent company from the stores.
The new corporate logo is intentionally different from the World Duty Free logo which appears on airport store fascias. In essence the group has opted for different names and logos to communicate with consumer and industry audiences. Similarly, Biza will continue as a brand name in its existing and planned airport locations, such as Manchester Airport.
In an internal communiqué today, Riches said that the company remains committed to the portfolio of stores it operates in various UK airports. Addressing employees, he said: “No matter where in the business you work, you will now work for WDF, the name of the newly merged company.”
 |
This organisational chart shows how the new WDF takes shape from today |
WDF will continue to display a strong sense of Corporate Social Responsibility. Its chosen charity this year is the One Foundation. Profits generated by the sale of bottled mineral water are used by One to build play-pumps in developing countries, providing villages with fresh, clean water. [The retailer’s impressive involvement with One Foundation was profiled by The Moodie Report last year. Click here to download.]
Riches said: “In line with our ongoing relationship with the One Foundation, we will explore marking the occasion of the formation of our new business with a suitable contribution to the fantastic work that One do in the developing world.”
MORE STORIES ON WDF
“˜Queen of Shops’ gives rave review to Heathrow T5 beauty shopping and dining – 12/02/09
‘Bringing glamour back to air travel’: New arrivals create a stir at Heathrow’s Bar 5 – 03/02/09
