Pernod Ricard vodka brand Absolut has opened its first branded store at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

 

The 45sq m flagship unit at KLIA is operated by Eraman Duty Free and is described as “the first of its kind in the history of the brand” by Absolut. It is located in a new lifestyle and shopping area that also features leading fashion, cosmetics and luxury brands in which Absolut is the only spirits brand to have a separate store presence.

 

“This is the first brand store that Absolut has ever opened, so it’s a historical moment for us,” says Paul Duffy, CEO of The Absolut Company. ”With this store, we are creating the ultimate brand experience for our traveling consumers.”

 

Anders Olsson, Director of The Absolut Company Global Travel Retail, adds: “It’s another testament to the unique brand and image building qualities of the global duty free and travel retail market.”

 

The store forms part of an initiative to create ‘next-generation’ shopping arenas in DF&TR, “scenes with the potential of achieving increased sales in combination with more intense and exciting shopping experiences” believes Absolut.

 

 

Digital innovations are delivered through projection mapping to catch the imagination of the traveller; an Absolut Drinkspiration display offers exciting cocktails for travellers to experience in a lounge area while a bespoke bar in the centre of the store is hailed by Absolut as “a piece of art in its own right”.

 

Absolut considers Kuala Lumpur as a key hub in a fast-growing market where Eraman Duty Free has a long brand-building history with Pernod Ricard. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to execute this pioneering endeavour in Kuala Lumpur International Airport,” says Con Constandis, Managing Director of Pernod Ricard Asia Travel Retail. “Our conviction is that this will be a transforming experiment for the Absolut brand while enhancing the traveling experience for our consumers.”

 

“This cutting-edge venture is a manifestation of our determination to infuse energy and creativity to lifestyle marketing in order to surpass the demands of savvy air travellers,” says Fawzy Ahmad, General Manager of Eraman Duty Free.