GERMANY. Salud Duty Free this week opened a new duty free store in Heligoland, a small German archipelago in the North Sea, 155 km north-west of Hamburg.
As reported, the islands, which double as a holiday resort, are excluded from the EU VAT zone and customs union. The absence of taxes and duties on liquor and tobacco on the two islands helps to attract visitors from the continental mainland.
The 250sq m store majors on tobacco, spirits & wines and fragrances & cosmetics. The interiors were developed by specialist store designer Umdasch.
“It’s a huge challenge to run and operate a shop whilst in the middle of COVID-19, but I am sure with a bit of help from the industry we will get there,” Salud Duty Free Managing Director Maurice van Vliet told The Moodie Davitt Report on Tuesday.
“We are since today open (only for Heligoland citizens – due to the COVID-19 crisis) and looking forward to welcoming tourists and passengers. Due to the soft opening today, we received a lot of support from the locals and (off-shore) workers.”
Salud Duty Free BV is based in the Netherlands and operates as a specialist or sole distributor for duty free and travel retail products including spirits, wines, Champagnes, tobacco, and fine foods (including foie gras, confectionery), and perfume.
