Lagardère Travel Retail has officially opened an All Blacks store at Christchurch International Airport.

Located in the centre of the main landside terminal, and available to domestic and international departing passengers, the 120sq m store is the second official All Blacks store in New Zealand to be opened by Lagardère Travel Retail. The first opened at Auckland Airport in 2018.

Commenting on the partnership between Lagardère Travel Retail, Christchurch Airport and New Zealand Rugby, Przemyslaw Lesniak, CEO, Lagardère Travel Retail in the Pacific said: “We are proud to work together with our leading partners to bring such an iconic offering as the All Blacks store to the retail space in the terminal, creating a true sense of place and an unforgettable experience — one we are all very proud of.”

SECOND ALL BLACKS STORE

The store was opened to coincide with the start 2019 Rugby World Cup. It offers a range of licensed products, including apparel, jerseys, caps, rugby balls, beanies and various gift items and latest world cup merchandise. Local and international sports fans will also enjoy in-store appearances from the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby players.

Inspired by a traditional locker room, the store — a collaboration with Lagardère’s local design partner, Taylors and construction team, The Accent Group — features two LED archway entrances inviting shoppers into the shop.

An experiential area featuring the Haka 360 experience, a digital highlight reel showing iconic All Blacks’ moments, the Wall of Champions and a roof adorned with a super-sized silver fern are designed to replicate the excitement and atmosphere of the current World Cup.

Justin Watson, Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer, Christchurch Airport said: “The new store is opening at the same time the Rugby World Cup is about to open and at the centre of a lot of conversation across the city and country.

“The store offers new experiences, new merchandise and new ways to support the All Blacks. We are always proud to see our rugby heroes and their fans travel through Christchurch Airport and are sure they will be drawn to the spectacular new store.”

Richard Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer, New Zealand Rugby said expanding the retail concept to a second location reflected the popularity of the All Blacks brand.  “We ventured into the retail sector in 2018 with the launch of the first Official All Blacks Store in a move to diversify our income streams — and it’s been well received. We’re excited to launch a second store in Christchurch.”

Lagardère Travel Retail currently operates 38 stores across Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Nelson, Rotorua and Palmerston North Airports.