CANADA. Autogrill Group yesterday (Thursday) hosted the Grand Opening of its first World Duty Free branded store in North America, at Vancouver International Airport.
The 1,450sq m walk-through store is located after security in the International Terminal, where it anchors nine other stores, as part of a new World Duty Free Group-led shopping experience.
Among the features of the main store are what is described by the airport as “the largest duty free beauty department in North America”. It includes an extensive range of premium brands such as Sisley, Crème de la Mer, La Prairie, Chanel, Dior, Lancôme and Estée Lauder.
Another major feature is the Connoisseur Collection of premium whiskies. A highlight is the global launch of a World War II-era whisky, the Generations Glenlivet 70 Year Old.
The rare Scotch malt whisky is the last from a cask laid down in 1940, when few casks were made due to rationed grain and fuel in the UK. Four of the 100 bottles available will be sold for C$35,888 per bottle until 1 November, exclusively at the World Duty Free store at Vancouver (YVR).
“Welcoming North America’s first World Duty Free store and one of the world’s oldest whiskies to YVR are testaments to the strong partnerships in place here to create a successful retail programme,” said Larry Berg, President and CEO of Vancouver Airport Authority. “Offering premier duty free retail is a key component of our strategy to remain the gateway airport of choice for international passengers visiting British Columbia and beyond.”
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The Grand Opening of the first World Duty Free store in Vancouver International Airport |  |
The 1,450sq m walk-through store is located after security in the International Terminal |
World Duty Free Group North America President Padraig Drennan added: “We started working with YVR in 2007, when we opened our first duty free store in North America under the Aldeasa brand.
“Over the past five years, we have continued to work closely with the airport to achieve and in many cases surpass agreed goals and ambitions. With the redevelopment of the stores here, we have introduced the first World Duty Free store in the Americas, which is also the largest walkthrough in North America. We have already seen a strong performance from our various stores, particularly luxury skincare where we have achieved an increase of +80% in sales. Most importantly, we have also succeeded in delivering an exceptional retail experience for passengers. We look forward to continuing a long and successful business partnership with YVR.”
The new walk-through store will also feature many of World Duty Free Group’s signature concepts such as a Tasting Bar and its in-store entertainment and digital marketing solution, Contentainment.
A new Hermès store, which became operational earlier this year under the World Duty Free banner, is the only duty free Hermès outlet in Canada.
A refurbished “˜Thinking Canada’ specialist souvenir store with 510sq m of retail space offers one-stop shopping for an extensive range of Canadian products. Also, a new 165sq m Collection concept store, offering a selection of luxury watches and jewellery, meets the customer demand for more premium brands in this category, said the retailer.
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The opening was highlighed by the global launch of a World War II-era whisky, the Generations Glenlivet 70 Year Old, available exclusively at the World Duty Free store |
