Picture Gallery: Hamila Duty Free’s major new diplomatic store opens in Tunis – 14/11/07

TUNISIA. Société Hamila pour le Commerce et l’Industrie (Hamila Duty Free) officially opened its new 2,000sq m diplomatic shop at the company’s Tunis headquarters on 2 November.

The opening was attended by Tunisia’s Minister for Commerce and the head of the country’s Customs authority, who presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Hamila Duty Free Chairman and CEO Tarek Hamila.

As previously reported, the store lies just 1km from Tunis Carthage Airport and serves diplomats, foreign journalists and Tunisian expatriates.

(Photo top left) Tunisia’s Minister for Commerce and the Artisanat Ridha Touiti (left), Customs Authority General Manager Slimane Ourak (second left) and Hamila Duty Free Chairman and CEO Tarek Hamila perform the opening ceremony, watched by (far right) Hamila Duty Free Assistant Marketing Manager Salma Bibi and International Business Development Director Karim Mahjoub (background); the 2,000sq m store (pictured above right) is the centrepiece of Hamila’s new headquarters; (below left and right) fragrances and cosmetics are a key feature of the store

“We have really built the perfect diplomatic shop,” company Chairman and CEO Tarek Hamila told The Moodie Report, “one that reflects the image of the company we are trying to present. It answers a demand that has existed for years among the diplomatic and ex-pat community, and it matches the expectations of our suppliers. It’s the best shop of its type in Africa, better maybe than anything in Europe.”

The 15,000sq m complex that houses the shop is also home to Hamila’s new offices and a warehouse, both of which opened in August this year.

(Clockwise from top left) The store houses a supermarket area for everyday commodities; it boasts a strong homeware and furniture section (above right) plus major space for liquor (left) and a walk-in humidor for cigars (right)

A full profile of Hamila Duty Free will appear in the Middle East Duty Free Association Guide, published by The Moodie Report this month. It will be available at the MEDFA Conference on 30 November/1 December and also online at www.TheMoodieReport.com

MORE STORIES ON HAMILA DUTY FREE

Hamila Duty Free opens major new diplomatic store and eyes further expansion – 01/11/07

Hamila prepares to begin Libyan airline contract; plans distribution drive – 24/10/06

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