USA. Dufry has opened a new-look duty free offer at Denver International Airport. The offer includes a 2,315sq ft shop in the centre of the A Concourse and a 2,328sq ft shop on the mezzanine level of the B Concourse.
A third location on Concourse C, branded as Kiehl’s and Urban Decay, is also now open. Kiehl’s and Urban Decay are initially duty paid speciality retail stores, but could become a third duty free/duty paid location later on.
Domestic travellers can purchase products from the two duty-free locations, including fragrances, cosmetics, watches, jewellery, accessories and confectionery, subject to tax. By law, domestic travellers are not permitted to purchase tobacco or alcohol products in the stores.
“Denver is a growing hub for international travel, with about 2.2 million international passengers in 2015,” said Denver Airport Chief Revenue Officer Bhavesh Patel. “We specifically set out to reimagine the duty free experience in Denver, to help elevate the travel experience for our international passengers who are increasingly seeking this type of retail opportunity. We are excited that Dufry is bringing its international portfolio of experience to the Mile High City.”
Denver Duty Free is managed by a joint venture of Dufry North America, Dufry-owned Hudson Group, Odd Tale Books and Wystone’s World Teas Holdings. Odd Tale Books and Wystone’s World Teas Holdings are both certified under the federal Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise programme, which ensures fair competition for women- and minority-owned businesses in airport concessions.
“As a partner with Denver Airport since 2003, we are pleased to now offer all passengers a wide range of luxury brands such as Estée Lauder, Michael Kors, Dior and Chanel. We will also feature local Denver favourites such as Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey and Hammond’s Chocolates,” said Hudson President and CEO Joseph DiDomizio.
The new stores expand the amount of space dedicated to duty free shopping on the concourses, from 1,056sq ft to around 6,000sq ft (including the future C Concourse duty free conversion). The stores are expected to generate a combined US$7.6 million in annual gross revenues and create 37 full-time and part-time jobs.
