Lagardère Travel Retail has shared further details of its commercial offer at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s (AUH) new Terminal A, which opened on 1 November.

The Lagardère Capital and Abu Dhabi Capital Group joint venture has unveiled 12 duty free and six food & beverage stores over a 5,200sq m footprint as the master concessionaire for liquor, tobacco and confectionery, plus perfume & cosmetics and fine foods outside of the international departures lounge.

It will open a further retail unit and restaurant in mid-2024 when the US pre-clearance facility of the new terminal opens to the public and is also one of the major F&B operators outside the international departures lounge.

Vadim Motlik, CEO, Lagardère Travel Retail UAE, said: “We are honoured to have been selected to partner with Abu Dhabi Airports on this remarkable project. With the launch of our 18 new retail and F&B outlets in Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport, our objective wasn’t simply to open stores, but to create a destination that enhances the passenger experience and establishes a new standard for excellence.

“Our goal was to develop concepts that seamlessly blend innovation, sustainability, and exceptional service to ultimately deliver unforgettable traveller experiences. We look forward to welcoming passengers and shaping the future of Travel Retail.”

Four bespoke concepts

In addition to redesigning and enhancing the Abu Dhabi Duty Free stores, Lagardère Travel Retail has created four bespoke duty free concepts exclusive to Terminal A.

These consist of flagship fine food outlet Le Gourmet, which offers a culinary selection of regionally sourced products and global brands reflecting the best of Arabian hospitality; Le Club and Little Le Club, described as ‘havens for the enthusiasts of champagnes, wines, spirits and tobaccos sourced from all corners of the globe’; and Scent, a luxury beauty emporium selling fragrances & cosmetics from renowned brands worldwide.

The eclectic F&B offer includes The Todd English Pub & Market, The Majlis, The Meat District, plus Lagardère Travel Retail’s own brands SO! Coffee and Culto Café.

The multi-location travel retailer says it has paid attention to all aspects of the traveller experience – from store concept and designs to product selection – to ensure the retail and F&B concepts meet the diverse needs of international passengers, from those seeking everyday essentials to premium and luxury goods.

Immersive and experiential spaces are highlighted across the outlets, such as an 11-metre high screen fascia at Le Gourmet and Le Club; tasting activation bars allowing consumers the chance to try before they buy; and ‘The Collection’, a chance for those seeking a rare or limited edition bottle to visit the private tasting room to encounter some of the world’s most covered liquids.

In addition, two walk-in humidors have been built to allow cigar aficionados the opportunity to explore a range of carefully assembled fine cigars.

Sustainability features at the core of the new operations, says Lagardère Travel Retail.

Throughout the construction of the outlets, the company complied with Estidama, a framework that promotes sustainability through planning and construction.

This extends through product sourcing, service and waste management, with all points of sale providing items such as 100% recycled and biodegradable carrier bags, rPET bottles and cutlery.

Lagardère Travel Retail has a partnership with Bean & Beyond, a local organisation that repurposes coffee waste to cultivate gourmet mushrooms and contributes to a circular environment.

Maureen Bannerman, Chief Commercial Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, stated: “We are pleased to welcome Lagardère Travel Retail to Terminal A, the state-of-the-art new terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

“With 163 food & beverage and retail options, Terminal A will enhance the passenger experience and help redefine travel retail excellence. We look forward to working with Lagardère Travel Retail as we shape a new era of aviation in Abu Dhabi.”

For a detailed report and commentary from Lagardère Travel Retail and Aer Rianta International on the new Terminal A, watch out for the TRBusiness November/December issue, available digitally and in print at the forthcoming MEADFA Conference in Accra, Ghana (19-21 November).

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