CYPRUS. Phase one of a retail revamp at Larnaca International Airport has been completed with the opening of a walk-through duty free space showcasing a large beauty offer.
Designed by Dubai-based ODG, the perfumes and cosmetics space has been created with the aim of delivering “a true Cypriot Sense of Place”, a goal that has been set for all the retail spaces operated by Cyprus Airports Duty Free (an Aer Rianta International company).
Influences on materials and colours have come from nature and local architecture, according to ODG. The company said: “The main walkway mirrors the pathways found in Cypriot villages. The ceiling is inspired by the way light filters through the branches of olive trees to create a dappled canopy which in turn helped create a sense of volume in the low–ceiling area that makes up the beauty category.”
ARI Middle East CEO Richard Gray, on behalf of Cyprus Airports Duty Free, said: “With a new world-class duty free concept we are leveraging the fast-paced growth of the airport (and) we are delighted with the results of this first phase. The team is continuing to work closely with us to deliver an exceptional environment.”
ODG, Managing Partner Hugo Vanderschaegh commented: “Delivering the design and engineering at Larnaca Airport is a true honour for us and we are thankful to Cyprus Airports Duty Free for this opportunity. We look forward to the opening of the next phases that promise to be even more spectacular.”
Every category to have own identity
The full retail revamp encompasses the design, engineering and construction review of a total of 4,300sq m of retail space across the airport. The design philosophy is to create an inspiring environment “where each retail category has its own identity” and thereby catch travellers’ attention. According to ODG it will also “review and coordinate the design of all the brands that will be featured”.
The walk-through store ensures that passengers pass through all categories thereby ensuring maximum exposure to the shopping offer. At the same time, the space is designed to present passengers with their flight information including time to reach their boarding gates, so they are comfortable about stopping to shop.
Larnaca International – operated by Hermes Airports under a 25 year BOT (build-operate-transfer) concession with the Republic of Cyprus that started in 2006 – is a fast-growing regional airport. According to ACI Europe data it processed just over 8 million passengers in 2018, with a two-year increase of +21.5% versus 2016.
Vanderschaegh noted: “Medium–size airports, train stations and travel hubs have experienced a sharp rise in traffic numbers and are now looking to upgrade their commercial planning and retail experiences.”
