In the latest ‘Adapt & Survive’ video interview, Philip Handley, CircleSquare Executive Creative Director and Founding Partner, tells TRBusiness how employees continue to remain in close contact with each other from the company’s offices around the world, with virtual ‘tea breaks’ and various interactive initiatives such as the ‘Lockdown Libations league’ cocktail club.

 

“We need to keep everyone connected right now,” said Handley. “It’s the one thing that we’re all missing right now.”

 

While there’s not a huge amount that can be controlled right now, he does admit that the additional planning and preparation time allows the company to develop even more creative – and cost-effective – solutions for its clients during these longer lead times.

 

“If we can get our bags packed full of great ideas, before the gate opens, we can really hit the ground running. I personally believe that there’s going to be a race that’s going to start and I want all my clients to be fit, healthy, stretched and limbered up on the start line and ready to go.”

 

When travellers do start travelling again there will be an immediate need to increase penetration and conversion rates in duty free stores, as passenger numbers are expected to be very low at the beginning of a recovery for the travel industry. ‘Irresistible and memorable experiences’ will be absolutely crucial to ensuring success, says Handley.

 

 

Adapt and Survive asks members of the travel retail industry community, often working from home, for their candid commentary on the constantly evolving Covid-19 pandemic.

The video series is a direct response to the industry’s critical need for direct, factual and analytical commentary and – in typical TRBusiness fashion – interprets clearly and concisely the challenges faced by travel retail during Covid-19.

To register your interest in the Adapt and Survive series, please contact one of the editorial team at the following addresses: charl[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected].