L'Occitane en Provence, in partnership with World Duty Free (WDF), has opened an airside concession at the Beauty Studio in Heathrow Terminal 4. WDF says it is delighted to welcome the ‘prestigious range’ to its

premium brand portfolio, increasing its successful beauty offer that appeals to both the self-purchase and gifting market.
L'Occitane is a privately owned company, specialising in natural cosmetics and toiletries which are manufactured in its own factory in Provence. The Group now has over 600 stores in over 60 countries worldwide. Group sales in the year to March 2005 were E229m, a 30% increase on the previous year.
Globally, Travel Retail is an increasingly and strategically important part of L'Occitane's business. In less than two years, 64 travel retail outlets have opened in airports and airlines around the world. There is a strong presence in Asia-Pacific (10 airports and 17 airlines) and in Europe/The Americas, the growth has been rapid, increasing from one outlet in April 2003 (Munich airport) to 34 outlets in September 2005. The expansion plan is aggressive and by the end of March 2006, L'Occitane hopes to have 85 travel retail outlets globally.
Yves Politi, L'Occitane Travel Retail Director said: ‘Opening a L'Occitane outlet at the world's busiest airport in partnership with World Duty Free is an important milestone for our travel retail business. As we grow this business quickly, it is important to stamp our mark on the largest airports and offer consumers a fresh beauty brand with products inspired by the Provencal countryside and crafted from the highest quality ingredients.'
Nigel Keal, Head of Category, Beauty said: ‘Our dedication to deliver new and innovative retail concepts to BAA airports and the travel retail sector remains strong. The arrival of L'Occitane to the Beauty Studio in Terminal 4 highlights the core proposition of World Duty Free, bringing the best brands to our travellers at tax free prices, offering a truly enjoyable experience.’