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The new shopping zone will feature 70 new or revamped outlets |
FINLAND. Airport operator Finavia is to open 70 new or refurbished stores and restaurants as part of the first phase of its ambitious commercial development at Helsinki Airport. As reported, the company is investing €900 million in a long-term infrastructure project as it plans to host 20 million passengers by 2020 (from 15.3 million in 2013).
“During the summer and autumn of 2014 and 2015, we will open nearly 70 new or renewed stores and restaurants at the airport,” said Finavia Business Director Anne Gullstén in a statement. “We aim to continuously improve the service selection available to travellers. Finavia finds it important to ensure that the airport services meet the customers’ expectations and wishes.”
The renovation, she noted, is mainly being funded by Finavia’s service partners (among them World Duty Free Group, SSP and HMSHost), which will invest around €35 million in commercial operations at the airport. Finavia will invest an additional €7 million. The service overhaul will create around 200 new jobs.
Gullstén said: “The restaurant selection will gain new variety, and outlets of top international brands will open during the summer. We will create a world-class shopping environment at the airport, and collaborate with major international retail and restaurant operators, World Duty Free Group (WDFG) and HMSHost. Our aim is to respond to the wishes of an increasing, more international traveller base.”
Also in the statement, WDFG International Operations Director Pedro Castro noted Helsinki Airport’s importance as a location.
“Helsinki is a main transfer airport between Europe and Asia, and WDFG is particularly interested in these travellers. The unique geographical location of the airport makes it a major hub between Europe and Asia, with nearly two million Asian travellers passing through each year. Within the next 20 years, half of the global increase in air traffic volumes will be generated in Asia. The estimated passenger volume growth from 15 million to 20 million is also very attractive to us.”
As reported, WDFG took over the business (to be named Helsinki Duty Free) from the airport on 15 March, with 2014 a “transitional year” until the stores are fully operational from January 2015. There will be four main core category stores including two walk-through units covering 1,000sq m, plus seven speciality outlets. In total, WDFG will operate 3,200sq m of space there.
The walk-through stores will have wide, open entrances inviting passengers to enter; fixtures will maximise product showcasing, an open plan layout plus the group’s “˜contentainment’ digital media and events platform. There will be a Beauty Lounge offering consultations, a Connoisseur Collection offering vintage and rare liquor ranges. Plus there will be a strong Sense of Place in the design of the environment, noted Castro.
Stand-alone stores will include Burberry and Ralph Lauren, while there will also be stand-alone sunglasses, chocolates and beauty stores.
Separately, a new 85sq m Hugo Boss outlet opened in late June at Helsinki Airport. The product range includes men’s clothing, Boss Green sportswear as well as shoes and accessories.
Other leading brands that will have a presence at the airport include Porsche Design, Armani Jeans, Versace Collection, Bally, Loewe, Etro and Montblanc.
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Airport capacity will increase to 20 million by 2020 |
Finavia has also introduced competition to the food & beverage business with HMSHost’s entry at Helsinki alongside SSP.
Gullstén said: “We aim to establish restaurants and cafés focusing on both international and Finnish flavours at the airport. The restaurants operated by HMSHost will open during 2014-2016. At the same time the restaurants operated by SSP Finland will be redesigned.”
New names to be introduced by HMSHost include Grab and Fly, Urban Food Market, Freshly Made, Johan & Nystrom and Two Tigers Sushi and Noodle, which focuses on fresh sushi and noodle dishes, noted HMSHost International Senior Director Business Development Michiel Reuvers.
