NEW ZEALAND. Lagardère AWPL this week celebrated the official opening of its new Aelia Duty Free store at Queenstown Airport’s international departures terminal
The store was opened by Lagardère AWPL General Manager – NZ Nicky Page and Queenstown Airport Chief Executive Glen Sowry at a ceremony on Monday.
Lagardère AWPL said that the redesigned store provides travellers with a strong sense of place that complements the spectacular view of The Remarkables mountain range from the terminal windows. Design finishes evoke the local natural architecture.
The range has been curated with a strong focus on local producers including Scapegrace Distillery (profiled recently by The Moodie Davitt Report), 42 Below and Patagonia. They are complemented by top international brands, including several duty free exclusives, from brands such as Chanel and Dior, and personalised displays from Benefit and Clarins.
Nicky Page commented, “The new Aelia Duty Free store feels unique with its bespoke design and product range. My team and I can’t wait to offer our customers an opportunity to take a piece of Queenstown home with them.”
Lagardère AWPL said that Aelia Duty Free Queenstown is the first store in the Pacific region to feature a dedicated clean beauty range. That is in line with Lagardère Travel Retail’s global ‘We Care, We Do’” approach in supporting responsible buying choices across Aelia Duty Free stores.
This commitment was launched with the world’s first eco-responsible store at Geneva International Airport and forms part of the French group’s PEPS (Planet.Ethics.People.Social) Corporate Social Responsibility strategy.
Sowry said that the opening of Aelia Duty Free Queenstown is an important milestone in the recovery of international travel in the region: “It’s wonderful to have this new store open and we are thrilled that the Art of Living concept showcases the amazing produce and products we have in the region,” he commented.
“We’ve heard since the store has been open, that local boutique and artisan products have been flying off the shelves, which is testament to the quality of producers in the region and a great sign for the recovery of our local businesses.”
Aelia Duty Free is open to service all arriving and departing international flights at Queenstown Airport, with customers able to shop 24 hours a day online for pick-up prior to departure or upon arrival.
Footnote: The airport reopened to Australian flights on 23 May after 330 days without a scheduled international flight. The airport’s Instgram post below captures the impact and emotion of that moment and the majesty of the surrounding area.
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