In this film interview, The Moodie Davitt Report Brands Director Hannah Tan caught up with Tao Zhang on her final interview as L’Oréal Travel Retail Asia Pacific Managing Director.
The highly regarded Zhang joined L’Oréal Groupe 24 years ago, beginning her career at L’Oréal Luxe China before taking on senior roles in Lancôme and YSL Beauty in Paris.
She subsequently joined the L’Oréal Travel Retail Asia Pacific team in 2016 as Lancôme General Manager and was promoted to the role of Luxe General Manager before taking on the role of Managing Director in 2021.
As reported, Jesús Abia will be succeeding Zhang from 1 July.
The film shown above was shot by Alexander Roux for The Moodie Davitt Report on location at the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition in Singapore (12-16 May).
It was filmed at L’Oréal Travel Retail’s new-look lounge concept, an elegant 510sq m space which spread across two levels and was divided into three main zones: fragrance, hair, and skincare and makeup. It showcased the newest products from Lancôme, Kiehl’s, Prada Beauty, YSL Beauté, Maison Margiela, Armani Beauté, La Roche Posay and Kérastase, among others.
Describing the innovative stand, which replaced the usual product showcase format for an open, multi-brand networking space concept, Zhang said: “This lounge was built around the four major trends in the post-pandemic travel retail world. The first is about the importance of reconnection, which is why we created a meeting place where people can share ideas and discover new things.
“The second trend is all about experiences,” she added. “As you can see, we changed the focus of our show presence this year. Instead of showcasing one product after another, we wanted our partners and clients to come here and experience our products in a sensorial way.
“The third one is all about new discoveries. From new brands such as Aesop, which is being showcased at our VIP Lounge, as well as new product launches which you can see throughout the space.”
Zhang added: “The fourth trend is all about sustainability. Our whole stand was built from sustainable green materials and we have a very nice refill station as well.”
The lounge put a special focus on L’Oréal Groupe’s luxury fragrance portfolio via a speakeasy-style bar, which offered fragrance-inspired cocktails. The bar offered an immersive olfactory journey from brands such as YSL Beauté, Armani Privé, Lancôme and Maison Margiela.
Describing the concept, Zhang said: “Instead of the creating a conventional fragrance booth that puts the focus on one key launch, this L’Oréal Fragrance Bar concept is all about having fun and the stimulation of all five senses through our fragrances.”
During the interview, Zhang shared her insights on the importance of the Asia Pacific region to L’Oréal Groupe’s wider business. “Travel retail Asia Pacific is a very important business for L’Oréal Groupe not only in terms of the size of the business, but because of the important role we play.
“We are the brand show window for our 21 amazing brands, a channel which recruits new customers and brings people together. This is what travel retail is all about.”
Having led L’Oréal Travel Retail Asia Pacific as Managing Director since 2021, and through the tumultuous post-pandemic years, Zhang offered a final message to the industry before departing her post on 1 July. She said: “After eight years, it’s time for me to move on. Like many of you I joined the industry because of what travel retail is all about, and that is ‘bringing people together’. Even today, I feel the passion of the talented people around me.
“We have been through a big storm, and while there may still be some dark clouds ahead of us, I’m confident that our rainbow will be back. See you soon, my friends.” ✈
