Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Strange Nature Gin from New Zealand, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.
MEXICO. Today’s images, courtesy of Avolta, show the travel retailer’s newly renovated 1,600sq m duty-free store at Mexico City International Airport – and follow up on our initial story and images from Wednesday.
The fresh, open layout features an expansive range of categories. In keeping with Avolta’s pledge to ‘make travellers happier’, the store features interactive digital experiences, an expansive luxury watch and jewellery space – accented by an impressive espresso and drinks bar – along with boutique store-in-store spaces, luxury fashion and more.
The renovation introduces a diverse selection of new brands and hybrid elements, while leaning into Mexico’s vibrant cultural heritage to deliver what Avolta described as an exceptional shopping experience.
Avolta President and CEO LATAM and the Caribbean Enrique Urioste commented: “This opening marks a milestone in the airport’s commercial offerings, providing travellers with a shopping experience that combines the best of technology, sense of place and luxury in one place, all achieved by putting the traveller at the core of our approach, in line with Avolta’s Destination 2027 to create a travel experience revolution.
“We share the values and vision of the airport authorities and will work together with them to deliver the best possible experience to the passengers of CDMX. Travellers – we welcome you to enjoy the new dynamics of duty free at Mexico City International Airport.”
Alongside the traditional categories of beauty, liquor, luxury items, tobacco and food, the store offers an exclusive high-end perfume area featuring prestigious and niche brands, and a fashion area with boutique brand spaces.
In the beauty area a virtual try-on tool creates a fun make-up experience while in the liquor area a personalised whisky finder helps shoppers discover the right choice for their palate.
‘Flavors of Mexico’ is a space dedicated to local products that invites travellers to explore tequilas and mezcals, plus spicy sauces, sweets and Mexican chocolates. The local signature, tequila, offers a fun ‘lift and learn’ educational aspect, helping travellers explore the flavours of their favourite blend.
Dynamic digital screens and promotional areas are prominent – Avolta said these help to create “an immersive and distinctive shopping experience”.
The opening builds on Avolta’s 30-plus stores already in operation at the airport, spanning duty free and Hudson convenience units.
The inauguration attracted airport officials, Avolta leaders and prominent travel and shopping influencers, including Mexican celebrity Geraldine Bazán. Representing the airport were General Director Rear Admiral AN. PA. DEM José Ramón Rivera Parga; Commercial and Services Director Jesús Gilberto Araiz Pérez and Deputy Director of Commercial Services Alfonso Joel Lazo Valerio. Representing Avolta were President and CEO LATAM and the Caribbean Enrique Urioste; Dufry Mexico General Director José Luis Ramos; Dufry Mexico President Advisor Rodolfo Velasco and Commercial Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Beatriz Macedo. ✈️
