IMAGES UPDATED. Portugal’s second busiest airport, Porto, has renovated its departures commercial area with the addition of 1,500sq m of duty free and travel retail space at a cost of €1.6m/$1.76m that is expected to generate a sales lift of +26%.

According to operator, ANA Airports [part of Vinci Airports Group], the revamp includes the opening of Victoria’s Secret, the brand’s second store in Portugal; the third ANA-developed Portfolio unit; the remodelling and enlargement of the main core-category Duty Free Store [originally a Nuance concept]; and the creation of a new centralised sales area.

The project has generated an extra 125 jobs at a time when Porto achieved traffic topping 8.1m passengers in 2015, surging by +16.7%.

The walkthrough Duty Free Store has doubled in size to 940sq m and is heavily inspired by the Porto environs, and the Douro, famous for its wines. London-based The Design Solution led the design work.

Ceilings reproduce the forms of the vine terraces and evoke casks and Port wine boxes; while the colour of Port wine is reflected in the walls and furniture, and the use of cork and the art of azulejo (ceramic tiles) are also visible.

Portfolio is a 300sq m store created by ANA and operated by by Áreas: with is focused on Portuguese brands that are said to be authentic, original and culture and design-led.

FASHION MAKES ITS MARK

A number of fashion and accessories stores have also been developed or extended at the airport. The premium multi-brand Attitude offers Montblanc, Hugo Boss, Longchamp, Superdry and Guess in a 292sq m area, while Ale Hop combines accessories and gadgets.

In the two distinct concepts, Travel & Business Gate and Sports At Heart, passengers can choose from luggage houses such as Tumi, Rimowa, Porsche Design, Samsonite, Delsey, Bugatti and Bric’s; or select prestigious brands offering football, running and motorsports apparel, including items from leading European football clubs. There is also a place within this latter store for Futebol Clube do Porto merchandise.

Another multi-brand is Fashion Gate dedicated to a series of national and international brands such as Calvin Klein Jeans, Max Mara Weekend, Lacoste, Coccinelle, Fly London, Liu Jo, Diesel, Pepe Jeans, Desigual, G-Star and Hilfiger Denim.

Rounding out the fashion offer is Parfois, which ANA says is “the most prestigious brand of Portuguese-based fashion accessories” which has opened its second shop, increasing the range on offer with a complete collection of clothing and footwear.

FOOD COURT ADDS NEW UNITS

Surrounding the retail area is a bigger food court with more variety and new concepts. The Douro offers traditional Portuguese dishes, while the Italian House hosts Italian cuisine such as show-cooked pizzas and pasta dishes. For oriental cuisine, passenger can opt for Sushi Passion, which also has an extensive range of gins.

For faster food there is the First Class Café for light meals and Francesinha, which offers traditional snacks from the city of Porto, Superbock’s craft beer and typical wine from the Douro. The DELI&CIA grab&go pre-packaged food concept, Caffríccio coffee shop and Burger King complete the main dining picture.

For indulgence there is the Chocolate Lounge where some of the world’s best chocolate brands including Godiva, Neuhaus, Valrhona, Arcádia, Villars, Leónidas and Goldkenn can be found; while Wine Bar offers a sophistication setting mixing gastronomy and fine wine. Here, customers can also buy a bottle as a gift.

As well as Porto, ANA Group manages the airports of Lisbon, Faro and Beja on the Portuguese mainland plus the Azores  airports of Ponta Delgada, Horta, Flores and Santa Maria, and Madeira and Porto Santo airport on the island of Madeira.