This summer the Beauty Boutique concept from World Duty Free Group (WDFG) will launch at Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) dedicated solely to brands from Estée Lauder Companies.

The 494sq m store – accessible to both domestic and international passengers – will be located in the McNamara Terminal Central Link retail mall area [just past the TSA passenger screening points] and showcases at least 15 ELC brands. They range from staples such as Aramis, Clinique and Estée Lauder to more niche or high-end offerings like Ermenegildo Zegna. Jo Malone London, La Mer, Smashbox and Tom Ford Beauty.

WDFG says the store design is “world-class” and will feature expert beauty advisors and services tailored to travellers. The boutique will also be home to an entertainment lounge where global product launches, make-up demonstrations and media events will take place.

“We are particularly pleased to be the first airport, anywhere in the world, to offer this retail concept for the enjoyment of our Detroit travellers,” says Wayne County Airport Authority CEO Tom Naughton (left).

Israel Assa, Vice President/General Manager, Travel Retail Americas at ELC adds: “Travel retail has evolved into one of the most vibrant and fastest-growing channels. The transformative new retail programme at Detroit’s McNamara Terminal will enable us to continue to serve the needs of the traveling consumer in a first-class shopping environment.”

Antonin Carreau (right), Global Head of Beauty at WDFG, concludes: “This trinity-approach project marks another milestone for WDFG as it will be the first beauty store concept of its kind, in travel retail. The powerful international brands of the Estée Lauder Companies will enhance the exceptional commercial offer at the airport and will appeal to our local and international clientele.”

The new retail unit will be operated by WDFG Detroit and Partners, LLC, a joint-venture of Bethesda, Md. based WDFG North America LLC, (formerly Host International, Inc.) and veteran airport retail planners, New York City-based Byrd Retail Group, LLC, a Michigan certified Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE).

WCAA recently completed a $13m redevelopment of its retail facilities inside Concourses A and B at McNamara Terminal, and has just announced more than $31m in new F&B improvements, that will be complete by autumn 2015.