QATAR. Qatar Duty Free (QDF) is set to add further new world firsts to its retail line-up at Hamad International Airport’s spectacular new expansion inaugurated on 10 November.
The world’s first TimeVallée airport store will open soon in a strategic position overlooking The Orchard – the magnificent indoors tropical garden that anchors the expansion.
Richemont-owned TimeVallée is a luxury, multi-brand destination store offering clients access to some of the world’s most prestigious watch brands.
TimeVallée’s portfolio includes watchmaking and jewellery Maisons such as A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, Buccellati, Bvlgari, Carl. F. Bucherer, Cartier, Chanel, Chaumet, Chopard, Corum, Franck Muller, Girard Perregaux, Glashütte, Gucci, Hermès, Hublot, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc, Oris, Panerai, Parmigiani, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Rolex, TAG Heuer, Titoni, Tudor, Vacheron Constantin and Zenith.
In related news, Qatar Duty Free will also open the first Watchfinder & Co. store in an airport. Acquired by Richemont in 2018, Watchfinder ranks as the world’s premier resource from which to buy and sell premium pre-owned watches. Globally it offers thousands of watches from more than 50 brands, including Rolex, Omega, Cartier and more, plus international locations and a manufacturer certified service centre.
These boutiques will be complemented by a world-first Giorgio Armani store featuring the entire Giorgio Armani universe, also coming soon.
Commenting on its expanded retail offering both in the expansion and the existing South Plaza, Qatar Duty Free pointed out that Hamad International Airport now ranks as the only airport in the world with two Louis Vuitton stores in the same terminal.
Other global firsts include Thom Browne New York – representing the American fashion brand’s global debut – and the Qatar Duty Free-run FIFA store, a world exclusivity.
Additionally, the Ray-Ban store is the Italian eyewear house’s first in Qatar and biggest in travel retail worldwide. The expansive Dior boutique opened on 10 November is Qatar’s only boutique to offer the French luxury brand’s menswear and accessories range.
As reported, fellow LVMH brand Fendi offers two of the expansion’s standouts – the Maison’s first duplex boutique in an airport and a world-first Fendi café.
Other highlights include:
- Polo Ralph Lauren: An airport world-first that combines a Ralph Coffee outlet adjacent to a Polo Ralph Lauren store
- Omega: The Swatch Group brand’s biggest airport boutique in the Middle East
- Puma: First standalone store in the Middle East
- Adidas: A bespoke store curated for Hamad International Airport and featuring Qatar landmarks
- Boss: The first store in an airport worldwide featuring the new concept
- Gucci: Only store in the airport world to feature the luxury brand’s ready to wear collection
- Zegna: The first shop in an airport worldwide to feature the new concept
The luxury offering is complemented by over 2,000sq m of core duty free space, featuring many exclusives.
Foodie heaven
The extensive food & beverage offer is designed to complement the retail proposition while in many cases offering splendid views of The Orchard.
It includes:
- Fendi Café: An airport first
- Ralph’s Coffee: Once again, an airport premiere
- ChacLate: The first time the handcrafted cakes have been featured outside the brand’s outlet in the Katara Cultural Village in downtown Doha. A locally inspired and hugely successful concept
- Gordon Ramsey Burger: Coming soon, the latest offering from the famed British chef. A first in the airport world and only the fifth location globally alongside those in Harrods (London), Chicago, South Korea and Las Vegas
- Gordon Ramsey Street Pizza: Also comong soon and yet another airport first
- Snowflake Luxury Gelato: Another airport premiere
- Oreo Café: From Mondelez Travel Retail, the only Oreo Café in an airport globally
- An Upmarket Food Hall featuring top local concepts including Qatar’s own local brand Baladna
- A family favourite food court featuring Burger King, KFC and Costa
