NETHERLANDS. Schiphol Group and Lagardère Travel Retail officially launched the Today Duty Free brand yesterday (30 June), beginning a new era for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol’s duty-free shopping concept.
At 1,500sq m, Today Duty Free in Lounge 1 is the airport’s largest shop and the first launch by the joint venture between Lagardère Travel Retail (70%) and Schiphol Group (30%), which took over the stores on 1 May. The alliance manages close to 30 stores, combining perfumes & cosmetics and sunglasses spaces with those dedicated to liquor, tobacco & confectionery.
Click here for an interview with Schiphol Chief Commercial Officer Arthur Reijnhart, who outlines the thinking behind the new brand.
Today Duty Free combines major duty-free categories under one roof, addressing the relative lack of space and the fragmented nature of Schiphol’s current duty-free offering.
The concept for Today Duty Free was based on the insight that travellers are looking for “overview, convenience and enjoyment”, the partners said. The shop offers a comprehensive, relevant and surprising offer with competitive prices and a strong service ethos.
Arranged in clear zones, Lounge 1 store highlights include a tasting bar, self-checkouts and personalised beauty experiences. It is operated by 350 trained staff, from beauty advisors to brand ambassadors.
Travellers will find a mix of international brands and niche labels across the three main segments: perfumes & cosmetics, wines & spirits and confectionery.
One of Today Duty Free’s key pillars is that it offers consistently competitive prices. Perfume, cosmetics and alcohol are on average -25% cheaper than the high street price at Dutch retailers. In addition, every traveller, regardless of destination, pays the same price.
The opening drives Schiphol’s ambition to make the traveller experience increasingly pleasant, efficient and inspiring. In the coming months, the airport’s other duty-free shops – spanning 5,500sq m – will begin renovations. This represents 20% of the total retail area at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Lagardère Travel Retail COO Europe Lucio Rosetto commented, “Together with our partners at Schiphol Airport, we are proud to deliver this first chapter of the refurbishment programme on schedule. The opening of Today Duty Free is a milestone in our shared ambition to elevate the travel retail experience.
“This flagship store is a tangible demonstration of the strength and quality of our collaboration and offers new possibilities for brand visibility at the airport. We are pleased to contribute to this important moment for Schiphol Airport and are looking forward to more exciting developments on the horizon.”
Schiphol Commercial director Arthur Reijnhart commented, “Today Duty Free sets a new retail standard for people travelling through Schiphol. Travellers get the best products for the best price and personal service. By combining comfort, quality and price advantage in one contemporary store, we’re making shopping at Schiphol more attractive than ever.”
The Today Duty Free opening is part of a large-scale renovation of Lounge 1, which caters to passengers travelling within Europe.
The Lounge was recently expanded from 19,000sq m to 24,000sq m, providing travellers at Schiphol with more space and comfort. In addition, both the retail and F&B offer are being revamped with 23 new concepts in the pipeline. ✈
Schiphol Group–Lagardère JV CEO Bruno Gouisset sets out ambitious plans
Schiphol Group and Lagardère Travel Retail say they can double the size of the duty-free business at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol over the decade ahead. The JV recently named experienced Lagardère Travel Retail executive Bruno Gouisset as Chief Executive. Gouisset was previously Lagardère Travel Retail Executive Vice President Merchant Duty Free Global (from mid-2018) and later Deputy CEO at Extime Duty Free (the retailer’s joint venture with Groupe ADP in Paris). |
