Lagardère Travel Retail has opened its new departures (905sq m) and arrivals (544sq m) stores at Christchurch International Airport taking over from previous incumbent JR Duty Free.

Passengers will be able to experience the Aelia Duty Free concept which offers global and local brands in an engaging shopping environment, according to the company.

Driven by the four key pillars of Aelia Duty Free. which are The Art of the Gift, Facilitation, Care and Here and Nowhere else, the stores will offer a strong sense of place, initially through product offers, promotions and specialist staff knowledge.

EIGHT-YEAR CONCESSIONS

Recently awarded eight-year mini master concession to operate duty free and speciality stores in the international terminal, the retailer is reinforcing its strategic operational plan with three business units in one location — duty free and fashion, travel essentials and food service.

It is also strengthening its ‘ongoing and successful’ relationship with Christchurch Airport where it currently operates seven retail outlets and renewed its five-year contract covering the operation of three Relay stores and two specialist shops in 2017.

A new departure duty free store, four new speciality stores and the main food and beverage bar will be rolled out during 2019, doubling the retailer’s airside space to around 1,928sq m.

Przemek Lesniak, CEO Pacific Region said: “We are delighted to be extending our duty free presence to this part of the Pacific region. Christchurch Airport has been a valued partner for seven years, and we are very pleased to expand on our enduring partnership.

“We will continue to work together to deliver outstanding customer service and develop our new stores so every international passenger through Christchurch Airport receives a world class experience with a strong local sense of place.”

SMOOTH TRANSITION

He added: “The level of detail in the preparation, organisation and coordination of this project has allowed an incredibly smooth transition for Aelia Duty Free to open and we are very excited to unveil Aelia Duty Free at Christchurch Airport. We believe it can exceed the expectations of both partners and passengers.”

Justin Watson, Christchurch Airport, Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer says the airport is very excited to take the relationship to the next level. He commented: “We have strong aspirations both from an experiential and digital perspective and Lagardère stood out as the right partner to go on a journey with. As the international gateway to the South Island, we are uniquely placed to offer an experience that showcases the best of our place.”

Watson also revealed that the retailer has launched a dedicated website in Christchurch to create a ‘first class online Aelia Duty Free shopping experience.’

In addition to operating Relay, Tech2go, Sunglass Hut, Hub and Icons in Christchurch Airport, it also runs stores in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Queenstown, Rotorua, Palmerston North Airports and Nelson Airport.