Zürich Airport management believes it will be in a position to open the country’s first duty and tax free arrivals shops in early summer 2011 in both baggage claim halls at the airport, offering an extensive range of perfumes, cosmetics, spirits and tobacco products ‘at extremely attractive prices’.

However, the airport acknowledges that legal changes still need to be made to provide the legal basis for their operation. The corresponding federal law was passed in December 2010 by the Swiss Parliament and the necessary regulatory revisions should be concluded by the beginning of April 2011.

The Swiss Federal Council will then make a final decision. As soon as the new law comes into effect, Zürich Airport’s duty free arrivals shops will be able to open for business.

Besides increasing revenues, Zürich Airport’s management and its concessionaire Nuance are also hoping there will be added benefits at security control where carrying liquids will no longer be an issue for those choosing to buy on arrival.

SHOPS THAT HAVE ALREADY ARRIVED
Shops that have recently opened their doors airside at Zürich Airport include Be Relax in Dock E East across from Gate E26. This relocated store offers manicures, aromatherapy, facials, and back and neck massages. 

Meanwhile in February, OMEGA announced the opening of its seventh boutique in Switzerland. The new 31sq m shop is located in the departure and transit area on the first floor of Zurich Airport and features the characteristic OMEGA design used in OMEGA boutiques around the world and the entire OMEGA product portfolio.

Bucherer, the well-established Swiss watchmaker and retailer of watches and jewellery also opened its 26th store on March 3 in the passenger zone at Zurich Airport. This offers a wide range of watches from Rolex and Carl F. Bucherer in particular as well as selected diamond jewellery.

In complete contrast, an exclusive T-Shirt Gallery also opened in early March and this spring the toy store Dreamcorner will make way for an even larger and more modern toy store, Toys & Games, which will offer customers a more extensive assortment.