NEW ZEALAND/AOTEAROA. Auckland Airport is set to unveil a refreshed duty-free store, featuring a new beauty zone with Lagardère Travel Retail, as the latest phase of its international terminal retail transformation takes shape ahead of completion in December.
Beauty and fragrance will be central to the revamped offer, supported by refreshed spaces, enhanced brand offers and a curated assortment tailored to modern traveller preferences.
The overall duty-free footprint will remain unchanged, with the refurbishment focused on elevating the experience within the existing space.
Auckland Airport Chief Commercial Officer Mark Thomson said: “Our customers have told us they want more engaging airport experiences and a wider mix of brands. We’re delivering with a major upgrade to duty free and retail across international departures and arrivals.
“This is a deliberate move to strengthen our retail mix, provide an enhanced customer proposition, and modernise the space.
“The transformation project remains on track, with staged works progressing to plan since January. We are excited to be delivering this project, and we thank travellers for their patience while we complete these works.”
Dedicated beauty zone
An expanded beauty precinct will form a key feature of the refurbished retail environment, bringing together established global brands and local and emerging names across skincare, cosmetics, fragrance, haircare and suncare.
Highlights will include an expanded Chanel boutique, complemented by luxury beauty names such as Prada Beauty, Miu Miu, Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Guerlain L’Art et la Matière.
Thomson said: “Beauty and fragrance are currently some of the most dynamic categories in travel retail globally and Auckland Airport is no exception.
“We’re seeing strong demand for skincare and everyday premium beauty as well as premium and niche fragrances. This is why we are responding with a more curated range that caters to different traveller tastes, from sought-after luxury and hard-to-find brands, through to emerging labels and the trusted products customers know and love.”
The offer will also tap into the growing K-beauty global appeal, with more than ten brands making their Auckland Airport debut, including fast-growing names such as Anua, Laneige, Isntree, Biodance, Beauty of Joseon and Medicube.
Thomson added: “Korean skincare is something our customers are increasingly looking for. It’s a major growth area in beauty right now. We’re pleased to be incorporating K-beauty brands from Anua to Isntree and Biodance.”
The beauty zone will have greater flexibility to showcase fast-rising brands such as Hourglass, Prada Beauty and Urban Decay, with more names to be announced.
Lagardère Chief Commercial Officer Laura Perron commented, “We’re proud to be part of this transformation at Auckland Airport, lifting the duty-free experience at the nation’s most important gateway and as a key touchpoint for travellers to and from New Zealand.
“We’re seeing a strong demand for premium products, innovative skincare, distinctive brands and more engaging retail environments. Our focus is on responding with a sharper, more considered offer.”
An evolving retail experience
The retail revamp will also see the debut of two standalone stores, bringing Aesop’s skin, hair and bodycare offering and French brand Le Labo’s luxury fragrances to travellers. Both will be located next to the main departures duty-free store.
Thomson said: “Adding dedicated Aesop and Le Labo stores brings greater depth to our beauty and fragrance offer and gives travellers even more reasons to explore.
“We’re also upgrading the food & beverage offering this year, with new dining spaces and a mix of local and international brands opening progressively throughout the redevelopment.
“This project is anchored in providing greater customer choice and lifting the overall customer experience. I recommend allowing plenty of time to clear security and enjoy the airside experience before boarding.”
New arrivals
The airport is also preparing to reopen revamped duty-free stores near the departure gates (Gates 1-10 and 15-18) and in the arrivals area, featuring refreshed layouts and expanded product ranges.
The latest openings follow the launch of a new entrance and refreshed walkway into the main departures duty-free store, alongside The Mixologist, a bar with runway views, serving cocktails and bites, offering travellers a fresh way to engage with the duty-free range.
The updated departures duty-free store reinforces Auckland Airport’s commitment to showcasing New Zealand brands and producers, with names such as Coromandel Chocolates and Master Weaves featuring prominently.
The selection includes nearly 70 New Zealand wine brands and more than 40 Kiwi spirit labels, including Māori-owned gin company Tahu.
Thomson said: “Customers are starting to get a taste of what’s to come and we’re working closely with Lagardère to keep a strong retail offer in place throughout the remainder of construction. This transition is all about delivering a vibrant retail experience.” ✈
