The Travel Retail Consortium (TRC) hosted its annual spring meeting in Dover in April, combining industry knowledge-sharing with an immersive first-hand look at onboard travel retail operations through its partnership with DFDS.
Members of TRC, all travel retail sector specialists, travelled aboard DFDS’ Côte d’Opale and Côte des Dunes ferries from Dover to Calais, gaining insight into onboard retail environments, customer experience strategies and merchandising execution in a live operational setting.
The tour included visits to the Calais port shops, offering deeper insight into cross-channel retail dynamics and shifting traveller expectations.
The trip concluded with an evening dinner hosted by TRC for DFDS in Dover, providing an opportunity for continued discussion and further engagement.
Travel Retail Consortium Chairperson Sharon Edwards-Smith said: “On behalf of our members, I would like to extend sincere thanks to DFDS for their outstanding hospitality and continued support of TRC brands.
“Experiences like this are invaluable in deepening our understanding of the travel retail environment and strengthening the partnerships that drive our industry forward. The opportunity to engage directly with the DFDS team and see their operations in action was truly exceptional.”
DFDS Head of Buying Michael Stewart added: “DFDS were delighted to welcome the TRC aboard our channel vessels and into our port shops, giving us the chance to share the enthusiasm and passion that drive our duty-free business across every part of the customer journey.
“The visit offered far more than a tour, it created a meaningful space for open dialogue, collaborative thinking, and a deeper understanding of how we can collectively elevate the travel retail experience both at sea and on shore.
“Spending time together allowed us to strengthen long standing partnerships while also sparking new connections with colleagues from across the industry. These conversations highlighted the shared ambition and innovative spirit that continue to shape the future of DFDS Travel Retail.
“It was a genuine pleasure to host the TRC, and the energy from the visit has already inspired new ideas and opportunities. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing the conversations that will help us grow, evolve, and deliver even greater value to our customers and partners.” 🛳️
