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Gulf Pacific launches Nana Jacqueline brand with Wangfujing Duty Free

Gulf Pacific Nana Jacquline display

The brand’s hair clips are among its best-sellers.

Gulf Pacific has secured a new listing for its Los Angeles-based Nana Jacqueline brand, with Wangfujing Duty Free in Changsha, China.

The downtown duty free store officially opened within the Wangfujing department store on 26 September, coinciding with the group’s 70th anniversary.

The opening marks Nana Jacquline’s second duty free listing – and its first offline counter – in China. Gulf Pacific has secured the presence of a dedicated merchandising unit, which showcases the brand’s latest hair accessories, within the store’s fragrances and cosmetics area.

Gulf Pacific leverages partnership

“We are extremely honoured to work with Wangfujing Duty Free and Wangfujing Group,” noted Gulf Pacific founder Gary Leong. “Having supported their first duty free store in Wanning, Hainan since 2022, it is a long-term partnership we treasure and hope to bring more newness to the system.

Gulf Pacific Nana Jacqueline Wangfujing Duty Free

The brand’s new counter is located within the store’s fragrances and cosmetics area.

“With this successful listing of our accessories, the hair clips for example are a very popular SKU, [ranking] among the top sellers. A practical fashion travel accessory, they are often seen clipped onto handbags and later used to tie up hair when necessary.”

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Travel Blue welcomes Alan Brennan as Global Commercial Director

Travel Blue Alan Brennan

Brennan’s new role is effective 3 November.

Travel accessories supplier Travel Blue has appointed accomplished travel retail veteran Alan Brennan as Global Commercial Director, effective 3 November.

Brennan is charged with expanding the company’s global footprint, strengthening and building new partnerships, enhancing the consumer brand experience across all touchpoints, and driving the company’s next phase of international growth.

“We are delighted to welcome Alan into the Travel Blue team,” noted Travel Blue Managing Director Daniel Levin. “I have known Alan for a long time and his wealth of experience and commercial insight will help drive the business forward.

“Alan is passionate about developing teams and fostering a culture of collaboration and performance – he will play a key role in our future growth as we deliver for customers and consumers.”

Brennan commented: “I am delighted to join the Travel Blue team at such an exciting time in its global journey. With a shared focus on innovation and sustainability and a people-first, consumer-centric approach, I look forward to contributing to the next chapter of Travel Blue’s growth story.”

Prior to joining Travel Blue, Alan held senior leadership roles with PanzerGlass and Nestlé, where he built high-performing teams, expanded global market reach and delivered sustained commercial success, strong growth and profitability across multiple regions.

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Travel Blue expands Asia Pacific footprint with new brand corners

Travel Blue Chongqing Airport branded corner

The colourful new corners aim to offer a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ solution.

Travel accessories supplier Travel Blue is strengthening its presence in the Asia Pacific region with the introduction of new permanent display units, designed to offer a ‘one-stop shop’ solution for the company’s portfolio.

Since the start of 2025, the company has launched 14 Travel Blue branded corners across ten airports in China, including Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Haikou, Lanzhou, Nanning, Sanya, Shanghai Pudong, Wuhan and Wulumuqi.

Furthermore, a dedicated shop-in-shop is set to open in the coming weeks at Shanghai Pudong Airport.

The bold, bright displays showcase the brand offering, inviting travellers to discover Travel Blue’s extensive range of travel goods and accessories. The offer includes travel pillows, earphones, power banks, electronic chargers, onboard luggage, backpacks and water bottles.

“There is strong demand in Asia Pacific for Travel Blue’s comprehensive product range and we are pleased to work with our customers to meet this need,” noted Travel Blue China Managing Director Andy King.

Travel Blue CDFG Lanzhou Airport

Since the start of 2025, the company has launched 14 Travel Blue branded corners across ten airports in China.

“These stunning new permanent displays will drive our presence in the Asia Pacific region and offer key customers a one-stop solution to grow our business together.”

At this year’s TFWA Tax Free World Exhibition, Travel Blue presented its Gen Z-focused collection, designed to capitalise on shopper demand for more affordable and practical purchases.

Centre stage was the backpack range, which has been extended with new designs and colourways.

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TUMI brings festive flair to travel retail with new ‘Gift Joy’ holiday campaign

TUMI's new global holiday campaign, Gift Joy

TUMI’s new global holiday campaign, Gift Joy, is rolling out across travel retail.

TUMI is wrapping up its 50th anniversary year in style, unveiling its new global holiday campaign, Gift Joy – now rolling out across the brand’s travel retail network and boutiques worldwide.

The travel and lifestyle brand’s latest seasonal story celebrates craftsmanship, purpose and the art of meaningful gifting, showcasing timeless pieces designed to travel beautifully and last well beyond the holidays.

Framed by the warmth and connection of the season, Gift Joy captures what TUMI does best: combining design, durability and emotional resonance to create products that feel as good to give as they are to use.

TUMI marks 50 years with bold new red-and-black anniversary collections

To close its milestone year, TUMI has reimagined some of its most recognisable collections in its signature colour palette of black and TUMI Red – the brand’s custom Pantone hue that symbolises strength and confidence.

TUMI's new global holiday campaign, Gift Joy

 TUMI has reimagined some of its most recognisable collections in its signature colour palette of black and red.

This bold pairing runs across the Alpha, Alpha Bravo, Voyageur and 19 Degree Aluminium lines, blending heritage with modernity and giving travellers a fresh reason to revisit classic favourites.

Highlights include the Celina backpack and mini backpack, crossbody, Just In Case tote, satchel, packable backpack and Essential tote – each meticulously crafted and built to accompany travellers on every leg of their journey.

Holiday gifting spotlight: the 19 Degree Aluminum collection

For travellers seeking something truly special, TUMI’s 19 Degree Aluminum range takes centre stage this season. The sculptural, ribbed design that defines the collection is applied to a curated lineup of luxury travel and lifestyle pieces – from the International Carry-on to refined accessories such as the cigar case, sunglass case and compact mirror.

TUMI's new global holiday campaign, Gift Joy

TUMI’s 19 Degree Aluminum range takes centre stage this season.

Each item showcases TUMI’s trademark precision and craftsmanship, reflecting the brand’s commitment to functional design with a sense of sophistication.

Coming soon, TUMI will introduce the 19 Degree Aluminum Bar Set – a statement piece for the modern host. Complete with all the tools needed to mix the perfect cocktail (and even custom TUMI recipe cards), it extends the brand’s travel-inspired design language into the home, reinforcing TUMI’s promise to meet customers at every point in their journey.

Design that fits every journey: gifts for him

“TUMI has always been about gifts that bring genuine joy and purpose,” said Victor Sanz, TUMI’s Global Creative Director. “The best gifts fit seamlessly into everyday life – from work to travel to home – and remain meaningful long after the holidays are over.”

TUMI's new global holiday campaign, Gift Joy

TUMI’s Alpha gold stand bags are part of the new campaign.

For men, the Arrivé collection takes centre stage, featuring the Barker large backpack and Larson medium backpack, defined by polished carbon-fibre detailing and an automotive-inspired finish.

Complementing these are rich, hand-finished leather designs from the Harrison collection – including the Gregory Sling, Warren and Griffen backpacks in burnished wine ombré. Each piece offers tonal depth and character, while accessories such as the T-buckle reversible leather belt deliver timeless versatility for those who value understated luxury.

Elegant seasonal gifting for her: Olas, Agent and Belden

For women, TUMI’s new-season collections bring together elegance and practicality in equal measure. The Olas line captures relaxed sophistication with its clean, fluid design language, while the Agent collection channels modern luxury for women who transition effortlessly from day to night.

TUMI's new global holiday campaign, Gift Joy

TUMI’s women’s accessories have been given a glamourous, festive touch.

Adding a festive twist, the Belden collection introduces fresh metallic tones, including a shimmering silver across the jewellery case, zip-around passport case and wallet on chain. Designed to shine during the holidays, each piece is crafted to endure long beyond the season’s celebrations.

Available now in global travel retail

The Gift Joy holiday collection is available now across TUMI boutiques and selected travel retail locations worldwide, offering jetsetters the chance to pick up premium pieces for themselves or thoughtful gifts for others while on the move.

As TUMI closes its landmark 50th year, the message behind the campaign is simple: this season, travel well, give thoughtfully – and wherever you are in the world, gift joy.

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Sergio Soldano previews A/W collection and new retail concept in Cannes

Sergio Soldano logo

Italian fashion house Sergio Soldano unveiled its new pop-up retail concept at the 2025 TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, alongside exclusive previews of its upcoming fashion collection.

Visitors to the brand’s booth in the Golden Village were shown the first official print of the Fall/Winter 2026–2027 collection, titled “Sinopia”. The name references the preparatory sketch for frescoes, used by Renaissance masters, and was chosen to symbolise the maison’s own new aesthetic “Renaissance”.

Other novelties included the new Sergio Soldano Travel Bag, available in three different sizes. In addition to new products, Sergio Soldano presented its new pop-up retail concept at the show, which will be rolled out across all brand channels.

“We are proud to present the new pop-up in such an authoritative context as TFWA Cannes,” commented Sergio Soldano Creative Directors Dario Di Bella & Giovanni Premoli. “For Sergio Soldano, this marks a turning point: the beginning of a narrative that looks to the future while remaining deeply rooted in our historical heritage.

Sergio Soldano Sinopia bags

In Cannes the company presented items from its Fall/Winter 2026-2027 collection, featuring the new Sinopia print.

“Sinopia is more than a print, it is a creative manifesto paying homage to art, in this case to painting and to Sergio Soldano himself. Every detail reflects our vision of fashion: high quality, emotion, Italian spirit.”

The new Sergio Soldano pop-up concept blends Italian design, architectural elements and contemporary storytelling, with a strong focus on material quality and a conscious ‘Made in Italy’ approach.

Key features include Pietra d’Iseo (Ceppo di Gré) stone; rose-gold display cases; and the brand’s signature yellow clothes hangers. Together, these elements aim to elevate the presentation of garments and accessories, highlighting the Maison’s new stylistic vision.

Sergio Soldano Cannes stand

In addition to new product innovation, Sergio Soldano chose the Cannes show for the unveiling of its new pop-up retail concept.

The innovations from part of the strategic relaunch plan led by brand owner Desire Holding Group. “I am truly satisfied and proud of the work carried out so far on Sergio Soldano,” noted Desire Holding Group President and CEO Antonio Lemma.

“We deliberately chose not to rush but to carefully and competently build every piece of the fashion project. Participating in TFWA is a clear signal: Sergio Soldano is ready to speak to the world with a new language, while preserving its signature rigor and refinement.”

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Kering Eyewear and Valentino officially announce new global agreement

Riccardo Bellini, Chief Executive Officer of Valentino (left) and Roberto Vedovotto, Founder, President and CEO of Kering Eyewear (right).

The exclusive collaboration will grant Kering Eyewear the rights to develop and distribute the sun and optical collections under the iconic Valentino brand. It will be effective from January 1st, 2026, marking the beginning of a long-term partnership between these two players in the luxury business.

Roberto Vedovotto, Founder, President and CEO of Kering Eyewear, commented: “We are honored to welcome Valentino into the Kering Eyewear portfolio, and to have the opportunity to contribute to the brand’s continued success. As a prestigious Maison de Couture, Valentino stands for masterful craftsmanship, exquisite design, and is a symbol of a one-of-a-kind style.

We are therefore committed to developing its sunglasses and frames collections in line with its vision by leveraging Kering Eyewear’s expertise in high-end luxury eyewear and Valentino’s iconic codes, unique heritage, and savoir-faire.”

Riccardo Bellini, Chief Executive Officer of Valentino, commented: “We are delighted to announce this strategically important partnership with Kering Eyewear. Marrying Maison Valentino’s matchless creativity and iconic style with Kering Eyewear’s unrivalled knowhow in luxury eyewear manufacturing and distribution, we will work together to further elevate the Valentino Eyewear experience.

We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to AKN Group for the collaboration and the successful development of our eyewear business over the past years. It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that we now embark on this new chapter.”

The new agreement represents an important step for Valentino’s brand positioning in the eyewear category leveraging on the unique approach to luxury and innovative business model of Kering Eyewear.

Thanks to this collaboration, Kering Eyewear further consolidates its leadership in the high-end eyewear segment, elevating its offer through the addition of an iconic brand celebrated for its unparalleled creative excellence and emotional beauty.

The Valentino Eyewear Spring/Summer 2026 will be the first collection under the agreement, and it will be presented during the Valentino Show in Paris on October 5th, 2025. The Valentino Eyewear collections will be sold in Valentino boutiques offline and online, department and specialty stores, and optical stores worldwide starting March 2026.

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Thélios builds Loewe momentum as it shows new brands to buyers in Cannes

Alessandro Eucaliptus: “We are seeing an amazing performance from Loewe.”

Thélios, the luxury eyewear business of French luxury conglomerate LVMH Group, is doubling down on the runaway success of the Loewe brand, while also showcasing its most recent proprietary brands, at the recent TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes.

Among the brands in the spotlight are Tag Heuer, best known for its watches and recently back in the eyewear business; sports eyewear maison Vuarnet; and Californian made-in-Japan house, Barton Perreira.

Thélios Head of Global Travel Retail, Alessandro Eucaliptus, told TRBusiness: “We are seeing an amazing performance from Loewe, and we are taking special care of the brand in the travel retail channel.

“We also have a new entry line, a family of products that will enhance the presence of Loewe, while keeping true to the design and values of the Spanish brand, which is currently one of the hottest in the world.”

The new travel retail exclusive from Bulgari will launch in March 2026. 

Loewe had British designer from Northern Ireland, Jonathan Anderson, at the helm as creative director for 11 years until an internal move within LVMH.

That propelled him to even greater heights in the same, but elevated, role at Christian Dior.

“He has been able to translate the Spanish vibe of Loewe and take it global,” said Eucaliptus.

Loewe drives Thélios growth, Bulgari gains exclusive line

There is also an extra push for Loewe through seasonal activity. This year in Madrid Airport, Thélios ran a pop-up with Avolta, while in Asia Pacific, a major activation saw an uplift in brand sales and made it more recognisable to travel retail consumers, according to Eucaliptus.

“In terms of investment for Loewe, we have started to push a lot, targeting Spanish airports with Avolta, and we will continue in 2026.

“While our main pillar brands will remain the heart of our business, Loewe will be one of the key drivers of growth in the travel retail channel,” said Eucaliptus.

Meanwhile, Thélios – whose portfolio includes Dior, Fendi, Celine, and Kenzo – will target Europe and the US with Tag Heuer and Vuarnet.

For the first time, Thélios will also bring a travel retail exclusive line to the channel from Bulgari – and at a more accessible price for the Italian jewellery brand, likely to be around €360/$421.

The product, within the B.zero1 sunglasses family from Bulgari, will have a wide rollout with dedicated images and advertising, and HPPs in certain parts of the world, starting in March 2026.

“Our travel retail partners are super-excited about this launch,” said Eucaliptus.

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Crislu launches new line of Disney jewellery for GTR at TFWA Cannes

TRBusiness writer Naomi met with Crislu President and CEO Bryan Crisfield in Cannes.

Jewellery brand Crislu unveiled its newest Disney jewellery collection at this year’s TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, marking an exciting new chapter for the company in travel retail and duty free.

Designed exclusively for the channel, the collection brings together Disney’s timeless storytelling with Crislu’s craftsmanship and accessible luxury ethos.

“We’re unveiling our newest line of Disney jewellery, crafted especially for the travel retail and duty-free markets,” said President and CEO Bryan Crisfield.

“These exceptional designs fit all pocketbook sizes and are designed to captivate travellers and fans alike, offering a unique opportunity for retail partners.”

Expanding the Disney partnership

Crislu has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Disney, selling in around 58 Disney locations including cruise ships, resorts and hotels.

The company has recently secured a licence to sell Disney jewellery in travel retail, opening the door to new markets beyond traditional Disney environments.

“The most exciting thing that we’ve just got going is that we received a licensing for travel retail for Disney,” said Crisfield.

“We’ve been recreating our products because we can’t sell the same styles in the parks, but now we have the rights outside the parks for travel retail in North America.”

Crislu unveiled a new Disney collection for travel retail in Cannes.

The travel retail-exclusive collection is presented in two distinct offerings: a demi-fine line crafted in .925 sterling silver and finished in pure platinum or 18kt gold, and a fashion line with a similar luxurious aesthetic at a more accessible price point.

“This is what they call demi-fine,” Crisfield explained. “It’s sterling silver finished in 18 karat yellow gold or pure platinum. What makes it magical – and not just Disney but also the Crislu brand – is that it’s luxury without the luxury cost.”

Orders for the new collection were taken exclusively during the Cannes show.

Reviving jewellery in travel retail

Speaking on the travel retail field more broadly, Crisfield sees renewed momentum in the jewellery category across the channel.

“We’ve never been out of travel retail, but we just had so much business in other areas that it wasn’t our primary focus,” he said.

“Now we’re seeing strong demand again – people have their perfumes and liquor, and they’re saying they want to add jewellery.”

Crislu’s primary travel retail footprint remains within the cruise sector, but the company plans to broaden its reach following the Disney launch.

The Crislu x Disney collections come crafted in .925 sterling silver and finished in pure platinum or 18kt gold

Crisfield highlighted a growing appetite for gold finishes and layering styles among travellers, explaining that: “Gold is trending again, even though it’s the most expensive it’s ever been. People still love that sense of affordable luxury – and layering necklaces and bracelets has become huge.”

Sustainability also underpins Crislu’s approach. “Our packaging is all recycled,” Crisfield added. “It’s an important part of how we operate.”

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M&M’S and Crocs unveil limited-edition collection fusing fashion and fun

The M&M’S x Crocs Collection will be available in International Travel Retail in early 2026.

Mars Wrigley International Travel Retail is debuting the first-ever M&M’S collaboration with global footwear leader Crocs. The limited-edition collection will be available in GTR and brings together the world of M&M’S with the comfort and style of Crocs, creating a unique fashion statement for fans worldwide.

The collaboration invites fans to embrace their unique style through a collection that combines the recognisable world of M&M’S with the comfort of Crocs.

“It has never been more important to keep fans at the heart of how a brand comes to life,” said Alyona Fedorchenko, General Manager, Global M&M’S Ecosystem, who added: “This collaboration allows M&M’S to surprise and delight our fans with an unexpected, unique fashion statement that infuses the power of fun in every step.”

The collection features two pairs of Crocs clogs, each inspired by the colours and playful charm of M&M’S.

They are designed to be as comfortable as they are eye-catching, making them a must-have for fashion-forward fans.

M&M’S Classic Clog

Each colorful pair features an allover M&M’S mix graphic that’s just as sweet as it looks, four M&M’S Classic and Peanut bag Jibbitz charms, plus room for even more of your favourite Jibbitz.

The heel straps also include two M&M’S logo Jibbitz charms to round out the fun.

“Crocs and M&M’S are both unapologetically bold and full of personality,” said Carly Gomez, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Crocs, who added: “Together, we’ve created a collection that’s as expressive as the fans who wear it – creating a more comfortable world through imaginative style.”

M&M’S Bae Clog

The M&M’S Crocs Bae Clog, available in women’s sizes only, adds an extra dose of playfulness to any look; the footwear is enrobed in a glitter treatment, sprinkled with M&M’S Jibbitz charms, and stamped with brand’s ‘M’ symbol.

M&M’S Spokescandy Jibbitz Charms 7-Pack

The limited-edition collection features seven Jibbitz Charms, each representing a member of the M&M’S ‘spokescandy’ crew. Fans can customise their footwear to reflect their favourite M&M’S and personalities.

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Travel Blue set to bring Gen Z focused offering to Cannes

Travel Blue

The Memory Collections concept will be vividly displayed at the Travel Blue stand in Cannes. 

Travel Blue is set to showcase its rapidly expanding range of travel accessories, backpacks and luggage at next week’s TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes (Yellow F33).

Specifically targeting the Gen Z market, the Travel Blue portfolio is ideally placed to capitalise on shopper demand for more affordable and practical purchases.

Centre stage will be the backpack range, which has been extended with new designs and colourways, including the brand new EcoJourney backpack, made from 100% recycled nylon.

The EcoJourney backpack (RRPUS$119.90), part of the Traveller Collection, features a sleek professional design with handy features for modern business travellers: a side shoulder strap, carry-on straps with hidden main strap technology, a padded laptop compartment and smart interior organisers.

What’s more, it fits in the overhead cabin compartment of most airlines.

Travel Blue

The EcoJourney backpack features a sleek professional design with handy features for modern business travellers.

“The EcoJourney backpack is the next step in our mission to reduce the impact of global travel retail on the planet,” said Travel Blue Managing Director, Daniel Levin, highlighting the brand’s advancements in recycling and sustainability.

“Our use of recycled plastics, as part of the Our Blue Way initiative, has now reached the equivalent of over 4.7 million 500ml plastic bottles. This weighs in at over 188 metric tons or one fully grown blue whale.”

Travel Blue backpacks are lightweight, made from high-quality materials and come with an affordable price tag, which the company says fits with Gen Z’s functionality and cost requirements.

The backpacks come with a three-year global warranty, reflecting Travel Blue’s commitment to quality and durability.

Visitors to the Travel Blue stand can also see the Memory Collections concept displayed.

The pins and patches feature national symbols and cultural icons and are available exclusively to each geographical location.

In Cannes, the collection includes iconic buildings such as The Eiffel Tower, The Leaning Tower of Pisa, The Colosseum and The Parthenon. Two to three pins retail at US$9.99 and a patch retails at US$3.99.

In addition to pins and patches, Memory Collections includes destination-themed memory foam pillows.

“We look forward to meeting both existing and new partners on our stand and developing plans for the year ahead,” said Levin.

“Our new products and Memory Collections concept will brighten up the Palais and show customers there are significant opportunities in the current market to fulfil shoppers demands for high quality, affordable, sustainable, personalised and functional purchases.”

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