QATAR. Qatar Duty Free has hailed the opening of the new Hamad International Airport (HIA), saying the retail proposition is “redefining travel shopping” in a “world class” environment for passengers. Full operations began on 27 May when Qatar Airways moved to the new facility.
“Passengers will experience at HIA unique store environments that have been designed around their needs,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer H.E. Akbar Al Baker. “Based on our deep understanding of passenger preferences, we have developed stores that are comfortable to explore and filled with beautiful products.”
Qatar Duty Free has developed a mix of bespoke concepts as well as boutiques from international brands across a range of categories.
One of the new store concepts is Esquire, a men’s fashion boutique designed by Qatar Duty Free. Esquire offers a wide range of leathergoods, travel accessories, apparel, skincare ranges and electronic gadgets aimed at the travelling businessman.
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Qatar Duty Free hails the “world class” shopping arena at Hamad International, featuring well-known brands plus a series of newly created concepts |
“Another creative store concept developed by Qatar Duty Free is the Marmalade Market, a food store designed by Qatar Duty Free for gourmet food lovers,” said Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice President Keith Hunter. “Marmalade Market provides the ultimate opportunity to sample and purchase the most exotic foods from around the world.”
HIA also features a chocolate-themed store, Chocology, where passengers are introduced to innovative ways to try chocolate. Ice cream, drinks and fresh food can be paired with chocolate, while chefs are on hand to carve their own chocolate creations.
Other fresh Qatar Duty Free store concepts include Pulse (consumer electronics store), Bumble Tree (toys), Junction (contemporary fashion), Boulevard (high-fashion accessories), and GMT (Swiss watches).
The duty free environment also features a strong lineup of leading luxury brands as well as other well-known retail names. The boutique offer includes Bally, Bulgari, Burberry, Chanel Watches, Harrods, Hermes, Michael Kors, Rolex, Tag Heuer, Tiffany and Swarovski, while Virgin Megastore and WH Smith are among the other specialist names represented. Further brands will launch their stores in the coming months.
