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.
EUROPE. Today’s photo choice comes from smartseller, the joint venture founded in 2020 between casualfood and Gebr. Heinemann, as it launches two new retail-to-food concepts for the small to medium-sized airport market.
The ‘Little’ concept, introduced for the first time at Ljubljana Airport (Non-Schengen), adds a new dimension to the smartseller portfolio.
It is designed to blend duty free, food & beverage, convenience plus other essentials in smaller spaces of 50-200sq m. The concept is modular, said the partners, and can be integrated without structural change into almost any terminal infrastructure.
‘Little Slovenia’ features, retail, F&B and local souvenirs at Ljubljana Airport, and includes a bar with seating.
“The design of Little Slovenia reflects a modern interpretation of the country: with wooden elements and touches of greenery, it creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for passengers passing through,” said a smartseller statement.
“The references to the local area are a key element. Because of its hybrid design, the concept appeals to different target groups: business and frequent travellers will feel at home here as well as first-time and occasional travellers and families.”
Smartseller Managing Director Karl Niendorf said: “The space at the gate in particular often offers scope for an appealing retail concept. Before boarding, travellers are relaxed and open to offers which fit into that moment.
“The Little concept has been created especially to fill this gap. We are delighted to have implemented it for the first time together with our trusted partners from Fraport Slovenija, which operates Ljubljana Airport. More airports are to follow.”
Ljubljana Airport Head of Commercial Urška Binter added: “The innovative concept fits in seamlessly with our departure area and is already one of the highlights among non-Schengen passengers. We are proud to unveil this project together with smartseller, bringing the future of retail and F&B to Ljubljana Airport, in efforts to continuously enhance the travel experience.”
‘All Yours’ rebranded
In other smartseller news, the All Yours branding used at selected airports has been updated to ‘You Are Here’, initially in 250sq m of space at Nuremberg Albrecht Dürer Airport. Further conversions to the new brand will follow across 1,200sq m in total.
Other locations will also be rebranded by the end of this year.
“We have sharpened up the concept, so a rebranding and a new name are the logical consequence,” said Karl Niendorf.
The smartseller offer under ‘You Are Here’ branding combines travel retail, food & beverage and convenience at regional airports.
In Nuremberg there is a strong localised offer reflecting the Franconia region.
The All Yours space in Ljubljana will also be rebranded as You Are Here.
Smartseller Nuremberg Managing Director Sebastian Schäfer said: “With the completion of the first section we are already able to give our passengers a good impression of how progressive our shop will be once all stages of construction are finished. You Are Here and the way it is implemented shows what can be achieved when airport und retailer joins forces and my team and I are very proud to be part of it.” ✈
