Our regular feature celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns from the global aviation and travel retail sphere.
NEW ZEALAND. In a hugely significant moment, Aer Rianta International’s (ARI) The Loop Duty Free duty free reopened on Monday morning at Auckland Airport’s International Terminal, coinciding with the launch of a travel bubble between New Zealand and Australia, with arrivals allowed to enter quarantine-free.
The duty free stores have been closed since 19 March 2020, with the government-ordered closure of all non-essential outlets to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Aer Rianta International (ARI) management hailed the reopening of The Loop Duty Free. As reported, the company has launched a ‘Welcome Back’ campaign to greet travellers.
ARI CEO Ray Hernan said: “We have been waiting for this day for a long time; there has been a great sense of anticipation for a safe reopening of The Loop Duty Free at Auckland Airport. I am immensely proud of the team; they have worked non-stop around the clock to ensure that customers of The Loop are greeted with the warmest, safest welcome and are treated to a world-class shopping experience.”
ARI Auckland Head of Retail Operations Melanie Rutherford added: “It is an indescribable feeling to have welcomed our team and customers safely back to the store today. Excitement has been building since the government announcement two weeks ago and all the hard work has paid off. Customers are really happy to be able to travel and treat themselves at duty free once again. They have enjoyed the buzz of the store this morning and of course some unexpected surprises as part of our Welcome Back campaign.”
