Northern Capital Gateway (NCG) has commenced a more than ₽60m ($926,000) refurbishment of the domestic departures hall commercial area at Pulkovo St. Petersburg Airport.

Dufry Group, which earlier this month opened a new duty free arrivals shop under its Nuance branding, will operate a duty paid outlet at the airport measuring approximately 876sq m.

It will sell travel accessories, perfumes & cosmetics, sunglasses, watches and accessories, confectionery, drinks and souvenirs.

TWO-PHASE OPENING

The two-phase project will result in the first part of the store unveiling in June, with the second due to open in September.

To mitigate disruption, special zoning and passenger navigation systems have been introduced in the domestic departures hall, while changes will also occur to the location of existing stores and restaurants.

Tatyana Batenyova, Deputy Chief Commercial Officer for non-aeronautical activities of NCG said: “In recent years, Pulkovo Airport has demonstrated a significant increase in passenger traffic, including an increase in the domestic traffic volume.

“Additionally, we see changes in the passengers’ shopping behaviour. Duty Paid will be the anchor store of the renovated commercial area, satisfying passengers’ demand for the goods that are underrepresented or not presented at all at the airport.

“The new walkthrough configuration of the commercial area will allow Pulkovo to introduce the best world practices in the organisation of the airport’s commercial space. The novelty will save passengers’ time providing them with an opportunity to purchase goods along the way from the security check to the gates.”

The 102sq m duty free on arrival shop at Pulkovo St. Petersburg extends the Nuance concept and is the third shop to feature at the airport. The shop joins Dufry’s walkthrough duty free and duty free express outlets in the international departures area.

Pulkovo Airport possesses more than 35 stores and 20 restaurants, including quick service units, coffee shops and snack bars.

Since the end of 2018, the airport has opened six points of sale: Hard Rock Cafe Rock Shop, John Douglas aviation clothing and accessories store, Rancho Grill & Bar meat restaurant, duty free, Vino & Vkusnosti and Urban Beans.