Argentinean duty free operator InterBaires is ‘far advanced’ with the planning of its new 800sq m departure shop at Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport, which is due to open in the new Terminal C facility in mid-2011.

Company Ceo Martin Leal told TREND that this new outlet will be ‘a general duty free shop’ selling perfumes, cosmetics, wines and spirits and tobacco, as well as a selection of categories such as watches, sunglasses, accessories and fashion and sporting goods.

Leal said sales at InterBaires’ two main Buenos Aires’ airports of Ezeiza and Aeroparque achieved double-digit growth in 2010 and this very healthy trend has continued into the first quarter of 2011. 

He added that the new Ezeiza store also follows major retail improvements made to the Aeroparque Airport duty free retail operation last year.

MAJOR RENOVATION IMMINENT
Further improvements at Ezeiza in the second quarter of this year will also see a major renovation of the wines and spirits category, which is an important contributor to InterBaires’ total revenues, as Leal explained: “Wines and spirits are a big factor in our total revenues, accounting for almost a quarter of total sales last year. We are about to embark on a major renovation of the category and we will look at the incorporation of some new brands.”>br> 
Currently, wine sales are running at plus 25% and Leal says the plan is to increase the presence of premium Argentine wines which are proving to be extremely popular with Brazilian, European and North American travellers. 

“Last year, we allocated more space to premium wines and they sold very well – we will continue with our tasting programme, but we will be incorporating some new brands that we feel will be well liked by the travelling wine connoisseur,” he added. 

“Since we completed the renovation of the wine section last April, sales have increased by almost a quarter. Once we improve the location of the section later this year, we are convinced we will see further growth.”