ITALY. Lagardère Travel Retail has opened a 600sq m Aelia Duty Free store in the departures area at Verona Valerio Catullo Airport. It combines what the company describes as “world-class retail with a deep connection to the city’s unique identity”.
The store’s design pays tribute to Verona’s rich cultural heritage and Shakespeare’s legendary play Romeo and Juliet, with the prologue inscribed on the exterior columns.
Contrasting floor colours evoke the Montagues and Capulets, and a reproduction of Juliet’s famous balcony will soon be installed.
The Scaliger family emblem, a historical symbol of Verona, is also featured in the architectural details framing the backwalls.
“The store creates a sense of place that immerses shoppers in a narrative as memorable as their visit to this beautiful city,” Lagardère Travel Retail claimed.
Designed to optimise passenger flow, the shop has a layout that ensures smooth navigation and clear zoning across product categories. Shoppers can choose between staffed checkouts and self-checkout options.
The product offer highlights include perfumes and cosmetics from leading global brands; gourmet food and confectionery, featuring local delicacies and international specialties; and wide range of wines and spirits, including regional Italian labels, with adjacent tasting areas.
Fashion accessories, premium tobacco products and authentic Verona souvenirs round out the assortment.
Lagardère Travel Retail Italy Vice President Operations Velia Berardi commented: “We are proud to announce the debut of Aelia Duty Free at Verona Valerio Catullo Airport – a strategic and charming location. With this new addition, we are committed to delivering a premium shopping experience, bringing beauty, elegance and authenticity to the travel retail landscape.
“With this new opening, we bring our unique vision of travel retail to Verona for the very first time, offering a premium shopping experience that blends elegance, quality and a deep connection to the local culture.
“Our passionate team, carefully curated product selection, and signature sense of place will be the cornerstones of an inspiring and memorable customer journey.” ✈
