NETHERLANDS. Schiphol Group has named Lagardère Travel Retail as its partner to manage all core category duty-free retail spaces at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, following a competitive tender.
The contract from 1 May 2025 covers more than 20 stores and combines perfumes & cosmetics and sunglasses spaces with those dedicated to liquor, tobacco & confectionery.
Under the agreement, Lagardère Travel Retail will acquire 70% of the company that will operate the business, the remaining 30% being held by Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
The retailer noted that the move “reflects a decade-long partnership between Lagardère Travel Retail and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and marks a transformative milestone in the airport’s commercial strategy”.
The company added: “The planned redevelopment will provide expanded and redesigned spaces, elevating the retail offering to deliver a unique and memorable experience for travellers, through a seamless retail journey.
“Amsterdam Schiphol Airport represents an unparalleled opportunity for Lagardère Travel Retail to expand its duty free presence in key European markets.”
The completion of the transaction is subject to the approval of relevant Dutch competition authorities and other customary conditions, with finalisation expected during H1 2025.
Lagardère Travel Retail Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dag Rasmussen commented: “This partnership will solidify Lagardère Travel Retail’s position as a major duty-free operator in the European market. We are very pleased to have been selected by Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and looking forward to strengthening our long-term relationship. Together, we will aim to transform and elevate the retail experience.”
Lagardère Travel Retail Chief Operating Officer Europe Lucio Rossetto added: “Our shared vision is to transform the duty-free experience into a world-leading standard, blending operational excellence with a uniquely Dutch sense of place. Together, we aim to set new benchmarks for the travel retail industry.”
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Commercial Director Arthur Reijnhart said: “The expansion of the cooperation with Lagardère Travel Retail is a very important moment for Schiphol in the implementation of our new retail strategy.
“With our intensive investment programme over the next few years, we aim to restore Schiphol’s magic and iconic status as a leading airport. With Lagardère Travel Retail, we have found a partner with whom we will transform our duty-free stores into beautiful locations with a modern assortment, appealing prices and attractive appearance. The goal is to exceed the expectations of our passengers, and we are convinced that together with Lagardère Travel Retail we can achieve this.”
Lagardère Travel Retail has managed fashion & accessories and destination merchandise stores at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for the past ten years.
Earlier this year the airport company invited selected travel retail players to take part in the tender, outlining the details to The Moodie Davitt Report in an interview here.
In late 2023 Schiphol Group acquired travel retailer Kappé, which managed perfumes & cosmetics and sunglasses concessions at the Dutch gateway over many years. In 2025 Schiphol Group’s ten-year JV (under the Schiphol Airport Retail name) with Gebr. Heinemann will end, and these spaces were also part of the bid process.
These two developments have allowed for enhanced space to be made available by combining P&C, sunglasses and LTC stores across the Schiphol piers, as well as allocating further square metres to these categories under planned redevelopment, providing a significant boost to the presence and potential of the new combined-category concession. ✈
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