UK. Avolta has extended its duty and tax free contract at Edinburgh Airport for a further seven years, with a provision in the agreement to expand retail space by +30%. The company has managed the duty free business at Scotland’s busiest airport for over 20 years.
Avolta will refurbish and expand its existing World Duty Free to 1,740sq m of space. New features will include a dedicated local food area and a destination zone to give an increased focus to Scottish brands.
Prominence will be given to the best of Scotland’s whisky, other liquor and food & confectionery names, helping to deliver Sense of Place.
Following its introduction at other airports across Europe and the Middle East, Avolta’s Haute Parfumerie area will be a feature of the new store, with an increased selection of premium beauty brands such as Creed, Penhaligon’s and Le Labo. New brands including Charlotte Tilbury and Kylie will be added to the product mix in the beauty section, while Jo Malone London and MAC will also join the main World Duty Free store.
The new walk-through will incorporate digital elements throughout, including an interactive fragrance finder to help customers select scents for themselves or as a gift for others. Similar technology will also be available in the whisky area to help travellers choose their own dram, and, using the power of virtual reality, shoppers will be able to experiment and ‘try on’ new make-up looks and shades.
Avolta CEO UK and Ireland Fred Creighton said, “We are delighted to have been successful in extending our contract to continue operating the tax and duty free store at Edinburgh Airport for the next seven years, and would like to thank our colleagues there for their continued trust and valued partnership.
“Through our commercial offer we aim to make the travel journey as rewarding as the destination, and the refurbishment we have planned for our World Duty Free store in Edinburgh will take the airport shopping experience to another level for the many travellers who visit the airport each year.”
Edinburgh Airport Chief Commercial Officer (Non-Aero) Gail Taylor said, “We are Scotland’s airport, and we want to ensure that the many millions of international passengers that come to see what our country has to offer have the chance to take a little bit of it home by increasing the presence of Scottish brands.
“By placing a greater focus on our whiskies, gins and larder, it means we are showcasing our world-famous food and drink, extending Scotland’s reach across the world. The refurbishment also allows us to introduce new and exciting brands across all of our ranges, offering our passengers the opportunity to treat themselves and get their trip off to a fantastic start.”
Edinburgh Airport serves almost 15 million passengers per year (2019 figures), with strong connections to the rest of the UK and overseas. ✈
