TURKEY. Unifree Duty Free has opened a Bottega Veneta store in The Bosphorus Zone at the new Istanbul Airport. It is the latest addition to the ‘Luxury Hill’ area inside the retailer’s duty free zone.
Gebr. Heinemann has a majority stake in Unifree Duty Free, which is the core travel retail operator at the airport.
Unifree and Italian luxury label Bottega Veneta said they had aimed to create a sense of openness and modernity at the store. Its façade has been designed to enhance the motif of transparency through the boutique, with Marmorino walls, lighting coves and floors of natural oak and ivory limestone completing the look. New display tables were made from natural-hued oak and glass.
“With the opening of Bottega Veneta, we continue taking steps towards our aim for creating an outstanding and differentiating customer experience for all luxury customers,” said Unifree Chief Commercial Officer Ian Foster.
Gebr. Heinemann Director of Purchasing Fashion & Accessories Jan Richter commented: “From the tradition of Italian master leatherwork, Bottega Veneta has in recent years developed to become one of the world’s foremost luxury labels. New Creative Director Daniel Lee has not only significantly expanded the assortment; his influence has also led to a substantial modern upgrade in the brand’s store design.
“At the same time, the qualities that Bottega Veneta embodies have never changed: outstanding workmanship, innovative design, modern functionality and materials of the highest quality. The opening of the Bottega Veneta boutique at Istanbul Airport is evidence of an excellent collaboration with the Kering Group and we are looking forward to continue to expand our brand portfolio within the luxury segment with them.”
Unifree is set to open a Saint Laurent store this month at Luxury Hill, with a Gucci store following in mid-October. They will join Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine, Loro Piana, Fendi, Prada and Hermès monobrand stores.
Richter added: “The success of the Luxury Zone project lies in the genuine and efficient collaboration between IGA, Unifree, ATÜ, Gebr. Heinemann, Plajer & Franz and our brand partners, in sharing ideas about the future of luxury retailing at airports and working on the execution of the Luxury Hill concept.
“We are totally committed to constantly understand, engage and satisfy shoppers by creating the ultimate unique shopping experience and exciting innovative retail concepts that deliver exceptional results for ourselves and our business partners.”
NOTE: A major interview with Unifree Duty Free will feature in The Moodie Davitt Report’s October issue, which is timed to coincide with the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes.
