Aer Rianta International (ARI) reports that it successfully opened the doors at its Auckland Airport duty free shops at 04.00 local time in New Zealand today.

 

The Irish retail company has decided to brand the shops under its familiar ‘The Loop’ braded frontage and style, drawing on the feel and proven popularity of a concept that has worked very well for the retailer in Dublin Airport.

 

ARI reports that The Loop Duty Free Shop concept was ‘officially blessed’ at a private Maori ceremony ahead of the opening and ARI CEO Jack MacGowan was generous in remarks related to the shop handover process. In particular, he thanked the outgoing DFS team for its good grace in helping to make the transfer of the business to ARI as smooth as possible.

 

He also thanked Avsec as the official provider of aviation security services in New Zealand and Airport Customs for all their logistical assistance.

 

MacGowan said: “Today is a momentous day in ARI’s history and I’m really proud to be present for the opening of our first ever duty free stores in New Zealand. From our initial conversations with Richard Barker and Lucy Thomas, we recognised a shared vision about placing the passenger at the heart of the airport retail experience and today that vision becomes a reality.

 

 

“We have cultivated a great working relationship with the broader commercial team at Auckland over the last few months and we look forward to continuing that partnership throughout the concession.”

 

“I’d like to especially thank the entire ARI Auckland team led by our Global Implementation & Corporate Affairs Director Philip Eckles, who have literally worked around the clock – given the tight deadlines and time differences – to ensure that everything was in place to start trading today.

 

“They have been helped every step along the way by Auckland Airport, which augurs well for a long and successful partnership. I’m also delighted to welcome a number of new ARI colleagues who have joined our Auckland team and I look forward to getting to know you all during my stay.”

 

Full background on the award of the concession can be found by clicking here: http://www.trbusiness.com/regional-news/asia-pacific/auckland-picks-ari-and-lstr-as-its-two-new-df-retailers/74022