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.
SRI LANKA. Today’s selection comes from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, from where I travelled home this week after holidaying in warm, welcoming and beautiful Sri Lanka, writes Dermot Davitt.
They show the twin stores run by Flemingo International and Dufry Group, in a rare remaining example of the dual duty free retailer system in place, with intense competition for consumer attention across the same categories, and in many cases, brands.
As you come through security into the airside zone, the two retailers sit side by side, though the open entrance to Dufry, with its promotional stop points right up front, draws the attention more quickly on your left.
That all changes when you are funnelled through this initial space into the main departures concourse, where Flemingo manages the largest of the stores, with some classy examples of brand investment in fixtures and marketing across beauty and spirits in particular.
Beyond duty free, there’s a rich array of shops and restaurants here, which we also feature in our choice of images. With several tea stores there’s a nod to the plantation experience that many visitors will have encountered, as well as a last chance to purchase jewellery made from the wonderful gemstones, such as blue sapphire, in which Sri Lanka specialises.
The wellness category is represented through the colourful display and offer created by Spa Ceylon across several locations in the terminal. Fashion labels extend from athleisure to the mid-priced casual offer from Odel, a retail name of high reputation that one sees in the major cities.
Food & beverage is led by international names such as Burger King and Pizza Hut – the latter in particular is a popular staple of high streets throughout the country.
Given the quality and reputation of Sri Lankan food, surely there’s a place for a more localised offer in prominent locations airside, to allow visitors a final, memorable taste of this magnificent country as they depart. ✈
