SINGAPORE. Lotte Duty Free is today celebrating the grand reopening of its Central Duplex wines, spirits & tobacco Store at Changi Airport Terminal 3 and the formalisation of its now fully open 19-store operation at the Singapore gateway.
The Moodie Davitt Report is on location for the occasion, which culminates tonight with a Dinner at Jewel Cloud9 Piazza (see latest photos further down the page).
Lotte Duty Free operates more than 8,000sq m of retail space across T1, T2, T3 and T4 – the Korean travel retailer’s biggest overseas operation. The company said it is “ushering in a new era of innovation and luxury in travel retail”.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Lotte Duty Free CEO Kim Ju Nam said, “The Singapore Changi Airport branch will be the cornerstone of Lotte Duty Free’s ‘quantum leap’ into a global travel retail company.
Lotte Duty Free said it expects Changi Airport passenger numbers to exceed pre-coronavirus levels this year. The retailer plans to generate more than KRW1 trillion (US$748.6 million) in annual sales overseas based on the normalisation of its Changi operations which were devastated by the global pandemic that was hitting full strength when Lotte Duty Free started its Singapore business in June 2020.
The retailer said the reimagined store offers an array of novel experiences, “cutting-edge elements” and exclusive offerings, ensuring an “unparalleled shopping expedition” for Changi passengers.
The duplex store offers a towering presence within the heart of Terminal 3’s transit area.
Its all-glass façade provides a sweeping view of Lotte’s diverse product offer and freshly designed interiors, all visible from a distance.
An 8-metre LED media wall dazzles, enticing travellers into the store.
{In this short video we take a look at some of the ground floor offer within the duplex. Look out for further films shot on both levels showing more of this impressively engaging shopping experience.}
{And now it is time to go up to the second level where, interestingly, Champagne, wine and white spirits have been positioned to try to attract shoppers upstairs, always a challenge with duplex stores}
GALA EVENING
Premier boutiques add luxury allure
House of Suntory
The Terminal 3 Departure Central Duplex Store features the world’s first The House of Suntory shop-in-shop boutique, taking inspiration from the company’s unique embodiment of Japanese art and culture.
The space showcases a wide selection of premium spirits, including the limited-edition centennial release of Hibiki 21 Year Old and the region’s first Toki Whisky launch.
“Rooted in founder Shinjiro Torii’s dream to enrich lives, The House of Suntory represents a sanctuary of artisans crafting world-class spirits inspired by Japanese nature and elevated by Japanese craftsmanship,” Lotte Duty Free said.
“Challenging market conventions with Shinjiro’s spirit of Yatte Minahare, translating to an uncompromising can-do attitude, The House of Suntory embodies Japanese craftsmanship and a commitment to dream big.”
Hennessy
This shop-in-shop is inspired by Hennessy’s renowned savoir-faire, featuring curved, airy lines reminiscent of the oak staves worked by copper craftsmen.
This sculptural structure signifies Hennessy’s craftsmanship while also integrating digital innovation.
The result is a unique product assortment intended to showcase Hennessy’s legacy of excellence, pushing the boundaries of tradition and technology.
Penfolds
Another shop-in-shop, which introduces a symphony of cutting-edge digital experiences, featuring a “revolutionary” 3D screen, a state-of-the-art digital sommelier, and personalised interactions.
The area is anchored by the inaugural Penfolds 3D screen, immersing patrons in a captivating visual odyssey exclusively crafted for the Lotte T3 store. The immersive video content enhances the wine brand’s ‘Beyond’ experience, designed to encapsulate Penfolds’ fearless approach to uncovering hidden realms in winemaking.
As reported, it is a collaboration with Australian artist Mikaela Stafford, designed to bring this underwater territory to life.
In celebration of the store’s opening, Penfolds has unveised a thematic gondola showcasing the 2023 gift collection, inspired by the mysteries of the sea.
Pernod Ricard
The French house’s shop-in-shop introduces a cross-category boutique, the first of its kind at Changi Airport, presenting an array of blended Scotch and single malts.
The offering reflects dedication to enhancing Changi’s retail landscape by providing a shopping experience that seamlessly blends innovation and exclusivity.
A translucent LED screen display serves as a canvas for brand expression, designed to capture travellers’ attention from a distance.
Singapore’s Premier Interactive Wine Sommelier Experience
On the upper deck, the Lotte experiential zone unveils what the retailer called a “groundbreaking and unparalleled service” in Singapore – the Interactive Wine Sommelier.
Using state-of-the-art transparent LED touch screens, this ‘revolutionary’ tool transforms the wine selection process, delivering an immersive and personalised experience.
Catered to each traveller’s taste, it pioneers the provision of interactive suggestions based on individual food and dietary preferences.
The Lifestyle Lounge
This innovative zone on the upper deck offers a serene retreat, allowing travellers to peacefully recharge themselves and their electronic devices.
From the upper veranda, they can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding area while savouring cocktails mixed by Toni, the Makr Shakr robotic bartender.
“Since the introduction of Toni at the Terminal 2 Duplex Store, he has delighted countless customers with his precise, synchronised movements, and exquisite cocktails concoctions,” Lotte Duty Free said.
“With Lotte Duty Free’s Terminal 3 Central Duplex store now a new landmark at Changi Airport, we are proud to continue setting global benchmarks in travel retail,” said Lotte Duty Free CEO Kim Ju Nam.
“This new store serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to curate a world-class shopping environment, meticulously designed to cater to the refined preferences of discerning travellers, setting a new standard for excellence in the industry.”
“Changi Airport is proud to witness the transformation brought about by Lotte Duty Free’s Terminal 3 Central Duplex store,” said Changi Airport Group Executive Vice President, Commercial Lim Peck Hoon.
“This collaboration exemplifies a shared commitment to elevating the passenger experience, offering a seamless blend of world-class retail and innovative services in Changi Airport.
“The result is a space designed to surpass the expectations of our discerning travellers, contributing to the vibrancy and sophistication of Changi’s commercial landscape.” ✈
