JAPAN. KIX Duty Free will tomorrow (5 December) open the country’s largest airport walk-through duty free store.
The 2,500sq m store is located in Kansai International Airport Terminal 1’s new international airside area. The shop will open alongside KIX Duty Free’s renewed pre-order service (see below).
KIX Duty Free is run by Kansai Airports Retail & Services (part of Kansai Airports). Lagardère Travel Retail provides an extensive range of support services, including a supply contract.
The Moodie Davitt Report is on location for the opening and will bring you a full report on the store after a tour this morning local time and tomorrow night’s official event to celebrate the opening.
We will be speaking to Kansai Airports Retail & Services and Lagardère Travel Retail executives along with representatives of the many brands present to witness one of Asia travel retail’s key openings.
The store is divided into four categories (perfumes & cosmetics, liquor, tobacco, and confectionery), zoned according to a specific design concept that creates space where customers can enjoy a sense of excitement with a hint of Japanese taste, Kansai Airports said.
A diverse range of around 340 domestic and international brands is on offer, including long-established Japanese sake brewers and brands making their first appearance in a Japanese airport duty free store, Kansai Airports said.
Multiple high-profile event spaces are positioned throughout the shop to introduce new and recommended products as well as seasonal displays.
Prior to the opening, the KIX Duty Free pre-order website was renewed on 21 November. The website offers enriched contents, including an expanded product selection and online-only promotions.
The website is available in 4 languages (Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese). It offers online-only promotions and online-only lottery sales for rare wines and spirits.
Products can be picked up at the dedicated pre-order counter in the shop.
“KIX Duty Free will provide customers with a worthwhile and enhanced shopping experience through a rich variety of attractions, enjoyable shop space, and convenient, comfortable services,” Kansai Airports Group said.
Look out for our report and extensive Picture Gallery coming soon after a full store tour this morning. ✈
Note: Kansai Airports Group is composed of eight companies, including Kansai Airports.
Kansai Airports was established by a consortium with VINCI Airports and Orix Corporation as its core members.
Kansai Airports took over the operations of Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport from New Kansai International Airport Company and has been operating the two airports since 1 April, 2016.
Kansai Airports Kobe, Kansai Airports’ wholly-owned subsidiary, took control of Kobe Airport operations on 1 April, 2018.
