Shannon Airport Duty Free has unveiled a new ‘Beauty. Living. Wellness’ area, with a ‘Curated’ space to champion Irish brands.

The recently launched area is situated within the first and oldest duty free shop in the world.

The Shannon Airport Group tells TRBusiness the zone will be “a permanent addition as part of our existing perfume and cosmetics space”, to highlight Irish beauty and wellness brands from across the country.

The Group says it is showcasing 15 Irish brands in the Curated area as part of more than 100 across its duty free store and is “continually exploring new Irish suppliers”.

Local brands to the fore

Authenticity plays a significant role, with “buying Irish very much part of visitors’ trips to Ireland”.

The size of the Curated area is flexible to allow for Irish brands’ growth and while existing staff run the space, some brands will, on occasion, have their representatives in store to speak to customers about their products.

The Curated area features local brands such as Wix & Wax from Ennis County Clare, Seabody from Kerry, Galway-based skincare brand Mervue Organic and West Clare’s Wild Irish Seaweed, among others.

The Shannon Airport Group CEO Mary Considine said: “We have a rich history steeped in entrepreneurial spirit and innovation and we are particularly delighted to be providing an opportunity for Irish businesses, start-ups, and talented artisans from across the country to showcase their products to an international market.

Nautical influence

“Our dynamic offering of Irish products is proving popular amongst our international and domestic passengers, and we look forward to seeing all of our Irish suppliers grow and flourish at Shannon Duty Free.”

Speaking about the unveiling of the Curated space, The Shannon Airport Group Head of Retail, Alan Reynolds added: “Our new Beauty, Living and Wellness area, housed under the new Curated space is a prime way to champion those indigenous businesses out there in the beauty and wellness space to a worldwide customer base.

“The Curated area was designed by renowned Irish interior designer, Tess Stanford and features a nautical influence to reflect the beauty and authenticity of the West Coast of Ireland.

“This gives a real sense of place to our shoppers seeking Irish products with uniquely Irish ingredients and complements our other Irish-themed sections across the store.”

The Beauty, Living and Wellness area now joins the Shannon Irish Design Store for jewellery, giftware, and textile; O’Regan’s food emporium for Irish food products; and Irish Liquor for premium Irish whiskeys and beverages.

The new area becomes the fourth designated space at Shannon Duty Free to help promote more than 100 Irish suppliers across the store.

Shannon Airport pioneered the concept of airport duty free shopping in 1947 under the auspices of its forefather Dr. Brendan O’Regan, selling locally produced products initially from a kiosk and later providing a mail order service in 1954, posting items across the world.