Dufry will run duty free stores at departures and arrivals across 2,300sq m. Source: Perth Airport Annual Report 2016/2017.

Dufry Group has pledged a ‘dynamic and engaging’ retail experience at Perth Airport after sealing a long-term duty free contract at the Western Australia hub.

The deal with Perth Airport Pty Ltd (PAP) covers the operation of two duty free stores in the departures (1,200sq m) and arrivals (1,100sq m) area at the International Terminal 1.

Dufry says a tailor-made design will be visible in the core category zones, plus a wide selection of Australian and local Western Australian goods, including liquor, wine and gifts.

In addition to a wide range of products from renowned international brands, the stores will tap into the latest digital trends, with passengers expected to benefit from the RED by Dufry loyalty programme, reserve and collect and instore digital tools.

REGIONAL MOMENTUM

Praising the agreement and close collaboration with Perth Airport, Andrea Belardini, Divisional CEO for Eastern Europe, Asia, Middle East and Australia, Dufry Group said: “We are set to develop a retail experience with a high level of technological innovation, a bespoke sense of place, and a strong focus on digital engagement […], we consider this new award as a further evidence of our commitment to expand in Asia Pacific, through the delivery of a state-of-the art retail experience and a strong partnership approach.”

The win at Perth is indicative of a broader strategic growth path for travel retail’s global leader and builds on several notable coups including the delivery of its New Generation store at Melbourne Airport Terminal 2 in November and the capture of the highly coveted five-year Hong Kong High Speed Railway contract in March this year.

Dufry currently operates at 19 locations across 11 countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, Middle East and Australia.

Perth Airport, which is considered the western gateway to Australia and doorstep to Asia, carried at total of 4.4 million international travellers last year.

Perth Airport handled 4.4m international passengers in 2017. Source: Perth Airport.

It continues to attract direct flights from major Asia centres including China, Japan and India aside its strong travel links with Indonesia, UK, Singapore and New Zealand.

Furthermore, it continues to invest significantly in its terminal infrastructure to accommodate future passenger growth and spending.

According to the airport, Chinese passengers have grown by 8.3% in the last 12 months, with Japan lifting by 7.3%.

“This agreement will give passengers a duty free offer that includes an expanded range and categories both in-store and online, as well as exceptional service and a high level of digital and technological innovation,” added Perth Airport CEO Kevin Brown.

“Perth Airport has undergone a major transformation over the past seven years with a AUD$1bn ($738m) redevelopment programme and is now planning another AUD$2.5bn ($1.8bn) of development including an upgrade of the T1 International terminal, to meet predicted strong passenger growth. This expanded duty free opportunity will help deliver a world class customer experience which is at the heart of everything we do.”