NEW ZEALAND. Regency Duty Free, part of The Nuance Group, has opened two new duty free stores at Wellington International Airport, under phase one of the airport’s terminal expansion project.
Regency said the stores “encapsulate the airport’s Wild at Heart theme, offering an exciting blend of wholesome New Zealand icons and European brand names.”
A Made in New Zealand section offers locally produced goods, while a cellar store offers wines from local winemakers, which are available to taste before buying.
The departures store is approximately 600sq m and the arrivals store 234sq m.
Wellington Airport appointed Regency as its second duty free retailer this Summer. When Duty Free Stores New Zealand’s lease expires in mid-2009, Regency will operate as the exclusive retailer until 2014.
When it won the contract, Regency pledged to introduce a strong Sense of Place to its stores, and it committed to showcasing Wellington through the retail offer.
Wellington, located at the south end of New Zealand’s north island, is the closest international airport to two of New Zealand’s leading wine regions – Martinborough to the north of Wellington, and Marlborough at the top of the south island.
Christian Strang, CEO Australia and New Zealand commented: “Being represented at New Zealand’s capital airport is important for The Nuance Group. The Regency brand is well established in New Zealand and is respected for its service and innovation. These new stores are stage one of a more comprehensive development; stage two will see further expansion of the Regency presence.”
“Regency Duty Free is committed to enhancing the shopping experience for tourist and Kiwi alike,” said Kelvin Ricketts, Director of Regency Duty Free New Zealand.
At the opening of the stores, Strang complimented the Wellington Airport management on bringing genuine destination differentiation to the Airport through the “Wild at Heart” theme and the retail offer. “Wellington Airport has laid good foundations for the future of the business and we look forward to working with Simon Draper (CEO) and his team to further enhance the ‘wild’ theme.”
Regency’s opening in Wellington coincides with the completion of stage one of Wellington International’s terminal upgrade. Stage two will begin in early 2007.
Regency Duty Free has stores at the Auckland International Airport, Wellington Airport and Victoria Street, Auckland City.
MORE STORIES ON WELLINGTON AIRPORT
International numbers slip at Wellington Airport – 20/09/06
Wellington Airport promises ‘one-stop-shop’ as it adds four stores to Retail Park – 12/07/06
Nuance-owned Regency to showcase local flavour in Wellington Airport debut – 18/06/06
