Gebr. Heinemann has secured a 3.5-year retail concession with Aida Cruises and is now operating on its Aidaluna vessel.

The retailer, which held its annual press conference earlier this month, officially started operations on 16 April after the ship ended a two-week stay in a Hamburg dry dock. Aidaluna then set off from Hamburg on a journey across Northern Europe.

Until now, the retail businesses had been operated in-house by the shipping company, which will continue running shops on the other Aida ships.

LONGSTANDING PARTNERSHIP

Gebr. Heinemann has worked in partnership with Aida Cruises for many years as a distributor and supplied Aidaluna and other Aida vessels. It is now running three shops totalling around 400sq m of retail space.

Frentzel-Beyme, Director Cruise Liner, Gebr. Heinemann said:  “We are delighted by AIDA Cruises’ trust in us and that we were selected by this important tendering process.

“Thanks to our many years of experience in travel retail in international airports and on cruise ships, we have significant know-how about travellers and their purchasing behaviour.

“This expertise helps us to continually improve and adapt the shopping experience for the cruise passengers. This will contribute towards leading our retail business with Aida Cruises towards greater growth.”

Passengers visiting the Heinemann shops will have access to a range of products from the exclusive Heinemann portfolio. One shop offers a selection of perfumes and cosmetics and accessories and jewellery, while another sells a range of fashion, bags and shoes.

The third outlets stocks liquor, tobacco and confectionery products, toys and logo goods with ‘Aida’ letterings. The newly renovated shops are based on a beach house design with various elements in wood and plant designs.

Frentzel-Beyme added: “On Aidaluna, we specifically aligned our wide range of products to the various needs of the passengers, with plenty of variety, so that we can offer every guest on board an interesting brand portfolio during their dream holiday.

“The core range is therefore also extended with seasonal offers or by fashion brands such as the current Benefit and Kerbholz.”