UK. Aelia began trading at London City Airport today (1 May) after securing the tax and duty free concession at the location.
The retailer replaces The Nuance Group, and inherits a store of about 300sq m offering perfumes & cosmetics, liquor, tobacco, confectionery and electronic accessories.
Aelia will also operate a fashion and accessories corner offering a selection of premium brands.
A tender for the concession was initially launched in 2009, but The Moodie Report understands that the decision to change concessionaire was confirmed earlier this year.
London City Airport handled 2.8 million passengers in 2010, -0.6% fewer than in 2009. The airport welcomes primarily business traffic, and has a particularly affluent passenger profile compared to most other UK airports.
However Swiss destinations are crucial to the airport, and sales are likely to be impacted by the introduction of arrivals duty free in Switzerland next month.
More details and reaction to follow.
