SENEGAL. Lagardère Travel Retail this week inaugurated its reimagined Aelia Duty Free and CASE BI stores at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport.
The opening builds on the travel retailer’s presence at the airport since 2017, and “marks a new phase in the company’s long-term development in Senegal”, it noted in a statement. The launch follows a year of strong momentum in Africa in 2025, marked by expansion into Cameroon and Rwanda.
The two redesigned stores feature a more fluid layout, immersive digital tools, upgraded services and an expanded selection of international brands across duty free and travel essentials.
A strong sense of place is at the heart of the refreshed shopping experience, with Lagardère Travel Retail saying it aims to make its stores at Blaise Diagne International “a showcase for Senegal, offering travellers an authentic and meaningful connection to the destination”.
The retail spaces feature a curated selection of Senegalese and African brands, including Notabané, Land of Africa, Réserve d’Afrique, Scent of Africa and Teasse, highlighting regional craftsmanship, creativity and savoir-faire.
The stores also showcase international brands, ranging from niche haute perfumery house Parfums de Marly to British fragrance brand Jo Malone.
The retail experience is enhanced by new-generation digital screens, electronic shelf labels providing clearer and more dynamic product information, and an innovative children’s retail concept – deployed for only the second time within the Lagardère Travel Retail global network.
Lagardère Travel Retail West, Central & East Africa CEO Sountou Bousso commented: “The reopening of Aelia Duty Free and CASE BI at Blaise Diagne International Airport reflects our long-term commitment to Senegal. After a successful first phase of operations spanning almost a decade, we continue to invest and reinvent our concepts to meet the evolving expectations of travellers and our business partners.
“By combining international excellence with a strong local identity, our ambition is to deliver ever more meaningful travel experiences and to continue setting the benchmark for travel retail in the region, while positioning our stores as true showcases of the countries in which we operate.”
Blaise Diagne International Airport CEO Cheikh Bamba Dieye said: “It is a great honour for us to celebrate the reopening of Lagardère Duty Free stores at Blaise Diagne International Airport. This opening reflects the strength, reliability and durability of our partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail, built on professional rigour and respect for Senegalese culture.
“Together, we share a common ambition: to offer passengers a modern, high-quality retail experience that highlights the identity of Senegal, contributes to the airport’s attractiveness, creates jobs, and strengthens the country’s position as a leading aviation hub in West Africa.” ✈
