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NEW ZEALAND. Christchurch International Airport (CIAL) confirmed today that it had awarded its duty free concession to JR Duty Free, effective 1 July.
JR Duty Free, part of the James Richardson Group, will replace incumbent duty free retailer DFS Group. DFS and Duty Free Stores New Zealand were the other bidders.
Today’s award announcement represents official rubber stamping of CIAL’s decision to name JR Duty Free as its preferred bidder last month.
“JR Duty Free will be the new operator effective 1 July 2010,” said CIAL Chief Executive Jim Boult. “JR has proven its success as a duty free operator in Australia as well as Wellington and Auckland airports, so we look forward to a successful collaboration.”
JR Duty Free will operate two new stores in the International Terminal and plan to provide a unique Canterbury (the province of which Christchurch is the capital) theme.
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“We are confident this development takes us in the right direction to cater for our growing number of international travellers“ |
Julie-Ann Beattie Commercial Development Manager Christchurch International Airport |
CIAL said it is preparing for a major refurbishment of the entire international airside Departures retail area, and a new walk-through Arrivals store.
CIAL Commercial Development Manager Julie-Ann Beattie said that the project was timed to ensure that visitors to Christchurch for the 2011 Rugby World Cup will benefit from the enhanced international offering.
“Airport planning looks many years into the future, and we are confident this development takes us in the right direction to cater for our growing number of international travellers.
“Redevelopment of our international areas will be complete by late 2010, providing an enhanced level of service well in advance of the two major events for this city in 2011 – the International Paralympic Games and the Rugby World Cup,” she said.
The redevelopment of Christchurch’s duty free offering will provide 865sq m of duty free retail space in international airside Departures, and 546sq m in international airside Arrivals, both due for final completion in October 2010.
The airport also offers the existing 100sq m duty free store in international landside Departures.
Boult said he believed that the airport’s mix of passengers and services creates a strong offering that is “unmatched in the region”.
“We expect to see continued growth over the next few years in not only the core domestic travel market but also in services both at the premium end of the international market and at the high growth low fare and no-frills end where strong retail spend can be generated,” he commented.
“The combination of low cost carriers stimulating demand across the travel market; the stability of the legacy carriers serving the region; and the global pull of Christchurch as New Zealand’s tourism gateway is all advantageous for Christchurch Airport,” Boult said.
MORE STORIES ON CHRISTCHURCH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
JR Duty Free wins Christchurch Airport contract; airport applauds localised approach – 11/12/09
Four companies set to compete for Christchurch International Airport duty free contract – 10/09/09
