The Dufry Group’s ‘New Generation’ store at Mexico’s Cancún International Airport Terminal 4 boasts an ‘extraordinary’ and ‘colourful’ first impression, says London-based design and architecture firm The Design Solution.

The design of the 2,540sq m store was carried out by The Design Solution on behalf of Dufry and ASUR. The Design Solution was also responsible for crafting the airport’s retail space in Terminal 3.

Commenting on the project, Nick Taylor, Director of The Design Solution, said: “Cancún is a dynamic and innovative location where Dufry and the airport’s management have grasped the need for travel retail to move beyond creating a basic ‘sense of place’ to developing a genuine and engaging expression of local life, culture and heritage.

“The Design Solution was delighted to support Dufry and ASUR in designing the new space in T3 and T4.”

COLOUR & HERITAGE

According to The Design Solution, the first impression you get of the store is the ‘explosion of Mexican colour and energy’.

“The store designs are strongly focused on a mixture of key elements of local culture, particularly on the heritage and craftsmanship of the Mayans, the vibrant local markets, pulsating nightlife and the natural beauty of the coastline,” explained Taylor.

“The emphasis on colour throughout the space is partly inspired by the iconic ‘Cancun’ beach sign, but more so by over 3,000 years of the traditional Mexican weaving looms and their beautiful textiles.”

The key focus in the retail area is the centrally-positioned Tequiliera, which reflects the spirit’s importance in Mexico’s heritage and its role as a key sales driver, he added.

“In design terms, the Tequileria canopy was our start point and it subtly influences the whole space.”

‘AUTHENTIC’ LOCAL EXPERIENCE

The design also ‘echoes different local themes’ within each product category, creating a distinct identity for each while consolidating the cohesion across the whole space, he said.

It was also crucial for the design to adopt local themes with sincerity and respect.

“Modern travellers are not fools, they instinctively know when they’re encountering simplistic touristic clichés and they’re eager to discover an authentic local experience that resonates.

“By engaging them in authentic local storytelling we can use design to create great retail experiences that influence their shopping behaviour, drive revenue and enhance the whole airport experience.”