WDF's new specialist 61sq m 'Collection' store opened its doors for business today at Bristol International Airport ahead of schedule, offering a prime focus on luxury accessories, including sunglasses, watches and jewellery.

WDF says that the new outlet reflects its commitment to delivering 'unbeatable value, outstanding product choice, exciting store environments and world-class customer service'.

The retailer adds that the product depth and range in this stand alone 'boutique' store is more extensive than in the main World Duty Free store, to offer customers more choice – particularly luxury and designer brands – for which it says there is a constant and ever increasing demand.

Commenting on completion of the Collection store, WDF Ceo Mark Riches said: ‘Our team has pulled out all the stops to create our new Collection store and we are proud to have achieved this ahead of schedule. This is the first stage of our commitment to delivering an exceptional retail experience to customers travelling through Bristol airport and work is already well underway on our main World Duty Free store.’

In the Travel Retail Business' Top 10 Global Operators Report 2009 (published in October 2009), Mark Riches said that Bristol Airport was particularly important to the company for two reasons: ‘First and foremost it's a fabulous airport and we look forward to working closely with the airport's management team.

‘Secondly, it's the first contract we have won since World Duty Free and Alpha were merged to form WDF. What we promised to Bristol combines the best of the two companies and is a great opportunity to show what we can do whilst delivering for Bristol International Airport and their passengers.’

Commenting on behalf of Bristol Airport, Simon Preece, Head of Retail and Concessions said: ‘We are delighted with WDF's turnaround on this store. Completed ahead of schedule, the store is looking fantastic and we are confident that it will be well received by our customers who will be able to take advantage of great brands at the best possible prices, in the lead up to Christmas.’

Work on WDF's main World Duty Free store at Bristol Airport is also well underway and the company says it now expects it to be complete by the Spring of next year. This outlet will incorporate WDF's trademark 'walkthrough' design and will be 40% cent larger than the existing store area.

In the past 26 months, WDF has invested more than ?40m ($64m) on store developments and refurbished over 50% of its shop floor space.