JAPAN. Central Japan International Airport (Centrair) is undertaking a major renovation of its duty free shops in a project valued at JPY600 million (US$7.5 million).
New and renovated stores will open in stages, with the first phase scheduled to be trading from 1 December, and completion by mid-February 2013.
“About JPY450 million will be spent in the duty free areas, and about JPY150 million in domestic area gift shops,” said Takehiko Kushida, General Manager of Centrair’s Project Planning Group.
An Omega boutique will be among the new entrants at the airport serving Japan’s fourth city, Nagoya – representing the brand’s first dedicated outlet in Central Japan.
“Our liquor and cigarette shop opened on 10 October,” Kushida told The Moodie Report.
“Now we are working on a renovated watch shop, the Omega boutique and a new Ferragamo boutique. They will open in the middle of December.”
The project represents the largest retail renovation since the terminal opened in 2005. Centrair Duty Free, the airport’s own retail division, manages the duty free contract.
“Centrair is driving to be the best airport for our customers and so is improving the conditions for shopping zones,” he said.
Meanwhile, officials have told The Japan Times that Centrair is exploring plans for a budget terminal.
Centrair is reported to be in discussions with AirAsia, which may begin services to Nagoya by the end of 2012.
AirAsia operates AirAsia Japan as a joint venture with All Nippon Airways.
Kansai International Airport opened Japan’s first dedicated LCC terminal on 28 October.
