Dufry Group has negotiated a 12-year extension to its duty free contract at Cardiff Airport (CWL) in Wales.

CWL had invited expressions of interest to operate its tax and duty free concession in 2019.

Improvements will be made to the existing 670sq m store, including a rebranding from Dufry’s Nuance fascia to World Duty Free.

Fred Creighton, Chief Executive Officer UK & Germany for Dufry, said: “We are delighted to have been successful in our bid to continue operating the tax and duty free store at Cardiff Airport for the next 12 years.

“The refurbishment we have planned for the store space and the new services we are introducing will clearly demonstrate our continued commitment to Wales and to our airport partner, in terms of taking the airport shopping experience to another level for passengers.”

CLICK & COLLECT ARRIVAL

The walkthrough store will be refurbished to concentrate on core duty free and travel retail offerings: liquor & tobacco, confectionery and beauty.

There are plans for a Reserve & Collect service to allow customers to browse online and pre-order their products between one month and 24 hours before they fly for collection on departure.

Dufry says this will widen the UK assortment available to its customers by offering them many products that aren’t currently available to purchase in the Cardiff Airport store.

Spencer Birns, CEO at Cardiff Airport, added: “It’s fantastic news that the world’s leading duty free operator has chosen to partner with us for the next 12 years and continue to deliver an excellent shopping experience for our customers.

“We remain committed to improving the passenger experience at Cardiff Airport, and we are excited about the positive changes and opportunities that lie ahead. I’d like to thank Dufry for their ongoing commitment and trust in Cardiff Airport, and we look forward to working alongside the team over the coming years.”