RegStaer Group of Companies has opened its first 120sq m arrivals duty free store at Vnukovo International Airport on 19 January.

The offer comprises all the regular duty free categories including, perfumes, confectionery, tobacco, souvenirs, toys and accessories. Liquor will be added to the offer once the required license is obtained.

Vadim Sagiev, Commercial Director, Regstaer Group of Companies told TRBusiness on 18 January that the retailer had already constructed arrivals duty free stores in Vnukovo and Rostov-on-Don Airports in anticipation of the passing of the required legislation to open arrivals duty free shops in Russia.

CUSTOMS SERVICE REGISTER

He also revealed that the Vnukovo Airport arrivals store had been included in the Federal Customs Service Register that day. All retailers intending to open arrivals duty free shops must be included in the register and follow a special Customs procedure.

Speaking to TRBusiness today (21 January), Sagiev said: “I have to say that the first results are encouraging though it is difficult to estimate the potential of the arrivals business in comparison to departure duty free.

“The good thing is that the passengers are very interested and excited to see the new store and eager to explore the available offer.”

He added: “The plan is to open another arrivals store at Rostov-on-Don airport by the end of the month.”

As first reported by TRBusiness on 16 January, travel retailers were given the green light to operate arrivals shops in Russia based on an order issued by the Russian government on 12 December 2018.

At present, RegStaer, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last December, is operating more than 50 stores at Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Platov and Mineralnye Vody Airports located in Moscow, Rostov-on-Don, and Mineralnye Vody.