INDIA. Travel Food Services (TFS) and LS travel retail ASPAC plan to open nine Relay concept stores before the end of 2014 at New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) and Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. Some are already operating with others to follow.
In August 2012, TFS – India’s leading F&B operator in the travel retail segment – and LS travel retail ASPAC announced a strategic partnership to develop duty free locations within India, plus a franchise agreement for the Relay brand.
As part of this development, TFS will exclusively develop the Relay franchise across the country’s major travel locations, with LS travel retail ASPAC’s support in operational management, using its category expertise. The Relay brand in India will retail books, press (magazines & newspapers), souvenirs, convenience and impulse products, with a varying merchandise mix depending on the location.
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The Relay concept is said to be adapted to the needs of the Indian consumer |
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Under the agreement, four existing Relay stores at Delhi IGIA domestic terminals 1 and 3 have been adapted to the new Relay store format.
At Bengaluru, Relay has opened three of five new concept stores, in both Arrivals and Departures, serving both domestic and international passengers.
TFS Chairman Sunil Kapur said: “The opening of additional Relay stores in India enables us to strengthen our footprint in the Indian travel retail segment. Two key developments – our earlier alliance with Gate Gourmet (a joint venture for buy-on-board flight catering in India) and now the Relay franchise with LS travel retail – have further strengthened TFS’ position as a one-stop provider of retail solutions across several travel points. We are excited to bring the experience of Relay to passengers at IGIA and Kempegowda International Airport.”
LS travel retail ASPAC Operations & Marketing Director Grant Fleming added: “The combined, deep understanding on the part of both TFS and LS travel retail ASPAC of the traveller mindset enables us to address their needs and other challenges. We are certain that our new outlets will do much to enhance the experience for travellers passing through IGIA and Kempegowda International Airport, and should pave the way for the exciting travel retail plans we already have in store for the country.”
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The Relay store roll-out deepens Travel Food Services’ presence at Indian airports, and extends LS travel retail ASPAC’s regional portfolio to a new market, where the partners are now eyeing duty free opportunities |
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LS travel retail ASPAC Chief Operating Officer Emmanuel de Place noted: “2013 was a fruitful year for LS travel retail in Asia Pacific. We have expanded our footprint in Malaysia and China and now we have covered India. The franchise approach with TFS is set to ensure the continued leading presence of our iconic Relay brand in India, one of the Asian countries with the highest growth potential after China.
“At the same time, the partnership creates a good synergy for us to actively pursue duty free opportunities within India in the near future.”
TFS Chief Operating Officer Harmeet Grover said: “Each of our stores across Delhi and Kempegowda International airports is strategically located to induce larger footfalls. Furthermore, the layout for every outlet has been carefully planned, bearing in mind the consumer behaviour and purchase patterns, to deliver a fulfilling buying experience to every customer.”
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