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“I think this is the cherry on the first ice cream” – Max Heinemann, 4 September 2014 (on Gebr Heinemann being awarded the Sydney Airport duty free contract, a seminal moment in the German travel retailer’s Asia Pacific expansion plans)
AUSTRALIA. The cherry has ripened nicely, the ice-cream looks increasingly tasty. Heinemann Duty Free today unveiled the first phase of the spectacular transformation of its new and largest duty free store (pictured below) in Sydney Airport Terminal 1 Departures.
As reported, the 5,751sq m store will ranks as the world’s biggest stand-alone airport duty free shop when completed next February. [The Moodie Report Senior Editor Peter Dowling is on location today and bring a first-hand perspective soon].
Today’s news coincides with the recent launch of phase three of Sydney Airport’s T1 improvements programme at Sydney Airport designed to deliver a world-class airport experience for passengers, visitors and staff.
Heinemann’s new flagship T1 duty free store opens with what Sydney Airport described as “a refreshed and contemporary layout that ensures passengers can enjoy the experience as they make their way through the space, aided by enhanced wayfinding and clearer sight lines”.
The new store showcases an extensive range of cosmetics brands including NARS, bareMinerals and Urban Decay, available for the first time in any Australian airport.
Heinemann is also the only Australian retailer to offer the new Veuve Clicquot RICH Champagne by Veuve Clicquot. The new Champagne is the result of an innovative collaboration between Veuve Clicquot and professional mixologists to produce a rich signature Pinot Noir Champagne with a unique twist.
THE POWER OF SEVEN
Seven new in-store customer experiences have been specially designed to celebrate the opening. They include a premium spirits lounge, tasting bar, specific men’s products section, a gifts section, a “˜best of’ cosmetics area, a regional wine space and a soon-to-open kids playground.
Within the premium spirits and wine section, Heinemann has created three bespoke in-store destinations where passengers can experience the extensive selection of brands on offer.
The Vault, a premium lounge, affords passengers a relaxed setting where they can experience the best-in-show spirits on offer such as Glenfiddich and The Balvenie.
The “˜Tavern’ Tasting Bar offers another destination within the store where passengers can experience specially chosen whiskey, such as Jack Daniel’s Sinatra selection, with Heinemann experts on hand to assist and discuss tasting notes.
The two spirit sconcepts are complemented by an Australian wine space which highlights wines from Australia’s world-famous wine regions including Barossa Valley, Hunter Valley, Margaret River and McLaren Vale.
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“We could not be more proud to unveil the first phase of the incredible transformation of the largest tenancy of Heinemann’s duty free presence at Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal.” – Sydney Airport General Manager, Retail Glyn Williams |
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The Tasting Bar (below) and a pioneering regional wine offer (above) are just two of several exciting new concepts at Heinemann Duty Free |
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Cosmetics and fragrances are also showcased within a Best of Eyes, Lips and Nails cosmetics area where passengers can indulge themselves before flying and select from a range of “˜hero’ eye, lip and nail products from a range of beauty brands including Yves Saint Laurent, Estee Lauder, OPI, Benefit, Lancôme, NARS, Urban Decay and Clinique.
A unique concept within the store is a cross-product offering, wholly designed with male passengers in mind. Labelled Men@Work (a reference to the famous Australian band of the same name, whose signature song was “˜Down Under’) the pioneering retail section features a range of male skincare products as well as fashion accessories and alcohol products set against a distinctive setting that includes a one-of-a-kind motorbike by Deus Ex Machina.
“We could not be more proud to unveil the first phase of the incredible transformation of the largest tenancy of Heinemann’s duty free presence at Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal,” said Sydney Airport General Manager, Retail Glyn Williams.
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“We’re giving passengers a world-class retail experience by drawing upon our global experience as well as our insights into the region and what makes Sydney unique“ |
Max Heinemann CEO Heinemann Asia Pacific |
“Today we deliver the significant first phase of a compelling and bespoke duty free design while announcing first-to-airport brands and seven customised in-store consumer areas.”
The enhanced airport experience within the new T1 Departures store incorporates wider pathways for improved passenger flows, more direct paths and clearer signage to better assist passenger direction around the terminal.
Heinemann Asia Pacific Chief Executive Officer Max Heinemann said passengers at Sydney Airport can enjoy a range of new duty free experiences never before experienced at T1.
“We’re giving passengers a world-class retail experience by drawing upon our global experience as well as our insights into the region and what makes Sydney unique,” Heinemann said.
The ambitious development of the T1 Departures duty free store undertaken by Heinemann and Sydney Airport has been more than 12 months in the making with the second phase scheduled to open in February 2016.
This second phase will unveil further in-store concepts and design installations, an extensive fashion and accessories range, including many Australian and airport firsts, a selection of gourmet food products including Australia’s Finest, as well as a custom-built dining concept by Luke Mangan.
The launch of Heinemann’s new store coincides with the recent commencement of phase three of the T1 improvements programme at the International terminal, which includes the beginning of exterior work to raise the height of the roof allowing more natural light and a clearer view of the city skyline.
Sydney Airport said: “With the new first stage of the luxury retail precinct to be unveiled in mid-2016, Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal will be transformed into one of Sydney’s premier fashion destinations while offering a sophisticated international stable of food and dining selections for greater choice and value to customers.”
To celebrate the launch of its largest duty free tenancy with passengers, Heinemann will be offering a mix of promotions, a competition and a complimentary gift for all customers. Shop and collect is also a convenient way passengers can shop online and pick-up in store.
For more details on the T1 improvements program visit www.sydneyairport.com.au
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Countdown time: How the world’s biggest stand-alone airport store is part of an ambitious retail development programme |
