Swarovski opens new boutique at King Abdulaziz International Airport

The boutique offers fine jewellery, crystal accessories, watches, home décor, and gifting pieces.

Swarovski has unveiled a new mono-brand boutique at King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with JAH Arabia International Duty Free.

As reported, the location’s new-look shopping areas were inaugurated on 17 September. Terminal 1 incorporates around 6,000sq m of retail space; with the North Terminal adding around another 2,000sq m.

According to the brand, the new KAIA store showcases Swarovski’s signature DNA of joyful extravagance, craftsmanship and immersive sense of discovery. It also highlights its commitment to creating elevated, sensorial shopping destinations in key global travel hubs.

Swarovski Created Diamonds add sparkle to KAIA

“Jeddah Duty Free is really excited to be the first airport in Saudi Arabia to showcase the Swarovski Created Diamonds Collection as part of the Grand opening this summer,” noted JAH Arabia International Duty Free CEO Simon Forde. “The Swarovski boutique will offer our passengers the chance to shine a little brighter as they fly a little higher.”

In addition to fine jewellery, the Jeddah store carries a curated assortment of crystal accessories, watches, home décor and gifting pieces, including signature families such as Millenia and Matrix.

KAIA is the first airport in Saudi Arabia to carry Swarovski Created Diamonds. The portfolio includes the Octagon collection, designed by Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert.

Swarovski Head of Travel Retail Andreea Marginean commented: “This opening at Jeddah Airport is a key milestone made possible through our strong partnership with JAH Arabia International Duty Free.

“Together, we are proud to bring to life a Swarovski boutique that not only elevates our retail presence, but also marks the introduction of Swarovski Created Diamonds in travel retail in the region. This joint achievement reflects our shared vision to lead with innovation and offer travellers access to a new dimension of pop luxury.”

Riviera Towel & Gift Co targets growth in global travel retail market

Riviera Towel & Gift Co World City Travel Towels

Ideal for souvenirs and gifting, the towels feature custom-woven designs that centre a Sense of Place.

Riviera Towel & Gift Co has set its sights on the travel retail channel, eyeing new opportunities for its Turkish Travel Towels’ Custom World City Travel Towel Collection.

Perfect for souvenirs and gifting, the towels feature custom-woven designs that blend destination storytelling and a Sense of Place with practical appeal.

Each towel features artwork of stylised city landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge, woven directly into 100% Turkish cotton. Lightweight, compact and versatile, the towels pack down small and can also be used as scarves, blankets or pillows.

The towels can be designed and delivered within two weeks, with low minimum order requirements and custom packaging and retail displays. They can be customised according to destination, event or departure city.

“Our travel towels are inspired by some of the world’s most iconic cities, including San Francisco, Paris, New York, and London,” noted the company. “Each towel combines style, functionality, and sustainability. They are an excellent way for visitors and guests to express their affection for these vibrant locations, while enjoying the benefits of a high-performance towel.”

New booth concept and location as Victorinox team eyes TFWA WE

Switzerland-headquartered Victorinox will arrive at next week’s TFWA World Exhibition & Conference (28 September – 02 October) in Cannes armed with new product novelties and a refreshed booth concept.

The premium lifestyle brand will introduce a fresh approach to its tradeshow appearances with a modular stand, personalisation concept and light-hearted claw machine game.

Lightweight and flexible furniture will allow for different configurations and features display trays for items such as watches, while the units are also multi-functional and feature self-storage solutions.

The interactive claw game, which will be introduced for the first time in Cannes, offers visitors the chance to win Victorinox prizes like ID tags for luggage, lanyards, chocolates, laptop sleeves and peelers.

Business partners have the chance to win a global carry-on each day as a top prize in the claw machine, while Victorinox will also offer personalisation on luggage ID tags.

The interactive claw game is being introduced in Cannes for the first time.

Visitor engagement

As its best-selling category in travel retail, Victorinox Travel Gear will be a main focus.

Highlights include the Altmont Modern line, which meets the evolving needs of modern, young, travel-savvy professionals with ‘bleisure’ (business & leisure) travel in mind.

The latest Airox Advanced colourway and Spectra 3.5 Edition, launching in 2026, will also be on show.

In the watches segment, the company will present the brand-new Air Pro GMT Automatic watch collection, a flight-ready timepiece underlining a commitment to quality craftsmanship and Swiss design, according to Victorinox.

The collection is aimed at professionals moving seamlessly between work and travel.

Each watch in the range is crafted from 316L stainless steel, available in a sandblasted, brushed or polished finish and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal for resilience and clarity.

They boast a 56-hour power reserve, ISO-certified anti-shock protection and are water resistant up to 200 metres.

Victorinox Head of Global Travel Retail & Fragrance Sales Gloria Dix said: “We are heading into TFWA World Exhibition with an enhanced team, engaging booth concept and premium products that ensure travellers are best prepared for journeys.

“Tradeshows serve as an ideal testing lab for projects, and we are excited to see the claw machine in action as we look to engage with visitors in a new and entertaining way.”

Victorinox can be found exhibiting at its new booth location in Bay Village, Bay 18.

For a detailed interview with Victorinox, watch out for the TRBusiness October e-zine – and do not forget to pick up your printed copy of the issue from the press racks in the Palais des Festivals.

‘A whale of a milestone’ – Travel Blue lauds recycled plastics progress

Travel accessories supplier Travel Blue says its use of recycled plastics has reached the equivalent of more than 4.7 million 500ml plastic bottles.

This equates to in excess of 188 metric tons – or one fully grown blue whale, says the company.

“We are delighted with the rapid progress of Our Blue Way, which has exceeded all our goals and it is making a real difference,” commented Travel Blue Group Managing Director Daniel Levin.

“Our Blue Way has a triple eco-friendly benefit, offering products that are recycled, recyclable and reducing the use of plastic.”

Daniel Levin, Managing Director, Travel Blue Group.

Travel Blue launched Our Blue Way in 2023 with a focus on leading sustainability efforts in the global travel retail accessories market.

More 50% of Travel Blue’s products are produced from recycled or recyclable material. The number is increasing as technology develops.

The company’s travel pillows are made with a 94% recycled cover, 100% recyclable foam and 100% recycled packaging.

Adapters, power banks and cables use recycled plastic and wheat straw bio-polymer, a renewable and sustainable plastic alternative.

Textile items such as money belts, folding bags, bags and eye masks are also now produced from recycled materials, while Travel Blue’s reusable, stainless steel water bottles offer customers an alternative to single use plastic bottles.

“When Our Blue Way launched in 2023, the reaction from retail partners was extremely positive and within the first few months, eight out of 10 of the largest duty free operators came on board,” said Levin.

“Our core values are innovation, sustainability and social responsibility. We offer products that meet Gen Z shopper eco-credentials, giving operators an enormous opportunity to embrace a sustainable future and ensure continued business success.”

B Corp Bitmore to bring travel comfort and convenience solutions to TFWA WE

Sustainability brand Bitmore will spotlight its eco-friendly travel tech and accessories at the forthcoming TFWA World Exhibition & Conference (28 September – 02 October) in Cannes.

A range of sustainable animal-themed travel pillows for children are among a series of new products.

The pillows are made from a durable and lightweight biodegradable milk protein material, according to Bitmore, with designs in the process of being finalised.

The fabric is said to represent a sustainable alternative to conventional materials like silk and polyester.

Additionally, visitors to the Certified B Corp firm’s stand will encounter a new range of travel accessories with a focus on portability and integration with multiple devices.

These include the Bitmore Foldable Wireless Charging Pad | Fast Charging + Phone Stand, which allows users to streamline their charging setups via a foldable wireless charging pad.

Hoj Parmar, CEO, Bitmore.

Doplr powers stand design

This folds compactly for easy storage in a bag or desk drawer and once unfolded can be used to fast charge iPhone/Android devices, Apple Watches and TWS Earbuds all at once. It also acts as a convertible phone stand for hands-free viewing.

As in previous years, Bitmore will present several prototype tech and accessories products at its Cannes stand where CEO Hoj Parmar will seek feedback from customers and other visitors ahead of production.

This year, Bitmore collaborated with Bluedog Group agency Doplr for the stand design.

The stand uses a recyclable frame structure that can be re-used multiple times.

Bitmore will be represented at the show by Parmar and colleagues Adam Starkey, Global Operations Manager; Kit Wing, Operations & Forecasting Administrator; and Consultant Rajiv Malhotra, who is spearheading the brand’s drive for expansion in Asia travel retail and South America.

Hoj Parmar said: “We come to Cannes this year with our usual strong brand sustainability message, underlined by Bitmore recently being named in the top 1% of companies for sustainable practices by Ecovadis, which rates more than 150,000 companies and brands worldwide.

“Our products are now well-known for leading the way in sustainability terms, but we also focus on great design and quality, and of course travel-friendliness, an approach which is resonating with the airport and airline retails markets. We look forward to sharing our innovations with customers and new contacts at the TFWA Cannes show.

“This year we have been exploring new categories that will blend enhanced connectivity, smarter charging solutions, and advanced travel comfort products, all while maintaining our strict sustainability standards.”

Bitmore will be exhibiting at Stand F23, Blue Village.

ARI & Charlotte Tilbury launch booking service for express beauty treatments

Charlotte Beauty Service at Dublin Airport Duty Free

Passengers heading through Dublin Airport Duty Free can now advance book express Charlotte Tilbury beauty treatments to have before they fly.

ARI has partnered with Charlotte Tilbury to launch an online booking service for Charlotte’s Beauty Services, giving passengers travelling through Dublin Airport Duty Free the chance to book express beauty treatments ahead of travelling.

The move marks the first such online booking service that the luxury beauty brand has introduced to its travel retail operations.

Passengers can now pre-plan their beauty experience and select from a menu of seven travel-specific on-counter treatments to have before they fly, ranging in time from 15 minutes to 30 minutes.

The online booking service is hosted on the dublinandcorkdutyfree.ie website as well as on charlottetilbury.com, with the beauty experiences delivered by Charlotte Tilbury’s team of trained beauty professionals in-store.

“We know that many passengers want to prebook and organise their trip ahead of time; we also know that many want to avail of premium experiences along the way,” said Sarah Jane Lynch, Global Head of eCommerce & Innovation, ARI.

“We are delighted to work with the Charlotte Tilbury team to yet again elevate that passenger experience and underpin ARI’s position as a partner of choice to bring these new experiences to market.”

Added Deirdre Devaney, ARI’s Global Head of Beauty: “We pride ourselves on delivering one of the best beauty experiences in the world, and we are lucky to work with the best brands to make that a reality.

“Our strategy is underpinned by a deep understanding of the needs of passengers, and ensuring we can offer them the services and experiences to meet their expectations.

“This new service at Dublin Airport Duty Free shows how we can utilise digital to enhance the in-store experience, and we are excited to see how the service performs as we head into a busy summer period at the airport.”

Left: A snapshot of the booking service brand page. Right: The menu of express beauty treatments available for passengers.

The Charlotte Tilbury travel retail footprint has significantly grown across the ARI estate over the past three years, with Tilbury Terminal beauty counters now located at Dublin Airport Duty Free in Dublin Airport Terminals 1 and 2, an island-first counter at Cyprus Duty Free.

This is in addition to country-first beauty counters at Abu Dhabi, Bahrain Duty Free and Lisbon Duty Free.

The Charlotte Tilbury travel retail footprint has significantly grown across the ARI estate over the past three years – seen here is the Tilbury Terminal beauty counter at Dublin Airport T1.

“We’re thrilled to unveil our first-ever online booking service for Charlotte’s Beauty Services in partnership with ARI, marking an exciting new chapter in our travel retail journey,” commented Gregoire Walter, General Manager of Travel Retail at Charlotte Tilbury.

“This launch is all about reimagining beauty for passengers on the go, bringing our expert artistry and award-winning beauty icons even closer to travellers at every step of their journey.

“With express treatments that deliver instant confidence and glow, this service is a true expression of our customer-focused approach to travel retail, which delivers personalised, joyful beauty experiences for passengers.”

Illums Bolighus joins the Marketplace at Stockholm Arlanda Airport

Modern interior and functional everyday objects are offered alongside select Nordic jewellery and accessories, stylish elements for table settings, classic Scandinavian seasonal products and a creative children’s range.

On Thursday June 12, the Danish interior design store Illums Bolighus opened at Stockholm Arlanda Airport as one of the last units at the Marketplace – the largest commercial venture in Arlanda’s history.

In the last addition of the spring, Danish interior design store Illums Bolighus opened its doors at Stockholm Arlanda Airport’s new Marketplace in Terminal 5, recently named “Commercial Space of the Year 2025” by the industry organisation Nordic Commercial Spaces & Communities (NCSC).

Arlanda travellers can now find Scandinavian gifts, souvenirs and design products to bring home for themselves or as gifts for friends and loved ones.

“We are very pleased that Illums Bolighus has chosen to establish a store at Arlanda as part of the company’s continued expansion in Sweden. Illums Bolighus has a history of success at its airport stores and is a good complement to our other offerings. We are convinced that the company’s presence at the Marketplace will be well received, as we see a strong demand, especially from our foreign travelers, for unique, Scandinavian goods to buy as gifts for loved ones,” said Charlotte Ljunggren, Chief Commercial Officer at Swedavia.

In a 200 sq m shop situated in the heart of the Marketplace in Terminal 5, Illums Bolighus offers popular Scandinavian brands such as Georg Jensen, Royal Copenhagen, Skandinavisk, Orrefors, Kosta Boda, Konges Sløjd, Maileg, Kay Bojesen and Rains – all known for their quality and strong Nordic design tradition.

“We are extremely excited and proud to have the opportunity to open Illums Bolighus 25th store at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Here we have created a world of timeless design together with first-class service that gives Arlanda’s travellers the opportunity to take Scandinavian elegance with them wherever they are going,” noted Kathrine Vesterholm-Manthorpe, Country Manager for Illums Bolighus Sweden.

PeppaRose capitalising on pre-owned demand with GTR Scarfette release

Made in Italy from 100% silk and printed using sustainable processes, each Scarfette features reversible hand-drawn artwork – offering two distinct looks in one piece.

As the global market for pre-owned luxury handbags continues to rise, PeppaRose is introducing into global travel retail the Scarfette, a timeless, travel-inspired silk accessory designed to meet this trend with elegance and originality.

Inspired by the slim silk scarves popularised by French luxury fashion houses, the PeppaRose Scarfette offers a fresh, modern interpretation – designed to add versatility, colour, and personality to luxury handbags.

Every design is hand-drawn in PeppaRose’s Colorado studio and inspired by a destination: from the lemon groves of Capri and the coral reefs of the Galápagos to the regal leopards of southern Africa.

As platforms like The RealReal, Fashionphile, and cruise ship retailers report record sales of pre-loved luxury handbags – from brands such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton and Chanel – customers are seeking elegant ways to personalise, protect, and add a fresh layer of style to their investment pieces.

Industry reports such as Future Market Insights’ Second-hand Bag Market Report, IMARC Group’s Second-hand Luxury Goods Market Statistics, and even Vogue Business’ look at Vinted Growth in Resale show the second-hand luxury goods market is set to nearly double from $37.2B in 2024 to $77.8B by 2033, driven by a demand for sustainability and individuality in fashion.

Style with a story

PeppaRose Scarfettes are crafted for high-impact, space-efficient retail. Pre-packaged in vibrant, custom-designed boxes that showcase the artwork of each piece – and tied in a bow with a ribbon – they’re giftable and instantly display-ready.

PeppaRose creates sustainably-made scarves and resort wear inspired by the beauty of travel, culture, and craftsmanship. Every piece begins as a hand-drawn work of art and is designed to bring elegance, individuality, and meaning to everyday style.

Scarfettes deliver strong performance per square foot, especially in duty-free and cruise retail where space is premium.

For onboard boutiques, airport shops, and inflight retail, PeppaRose believes Scarfettes offer a compact, high-margin add-on that feels thoughtful, meaningful, and effortlessly chic – especially for travellers investing in luxury handbags.

“Scarfettes tick all the boxes for retailers,” said Jacqueline Lampert, founder and creative director of PeppaRose. “Lightweight, travel-friendly and one-size, they offer retailers a high-value sales item with excellent revenue per square foot. For travellers, the ready-to-gift packaging drives impulse sales, with the destination-inspired designs adding emotional and cultural value – perfect for sense of place.”

“A compact shelf can generate thousands in just a few days. It’s high-margin, low-footprint retail, with built-in story appeal,” Lampert added.

“Our customers are already buying pre-loved luxury handbags – they’re motivated by style with a story. The Scarfette adds a fresh, personalised layer to their individual look.” concluded Lampert.

DFS unveils Golden Week extravaganza with luxury rewards and experiences

Aligned with May Golden Week, DFS is inviting travellers to embark on a journey of indulgence and discovery during the Japanese holiday period from 25 April to 6 May.

Across its global network the retailer aims to transform shopping into a curated celebration, weaving exclusive rewards, immersive experiences and ‘joyful moments’ that elevate the art of luxury travel retail.

In Hong Kong and Macau, DFS has crafted a multi-sensory symphony designed to captivate and inspire.

Shoppers spending HK$888/$115 or MOP 888/$111 in a single transaction can test their luck in the ‘Time It Right To Win’ challenge, stopping a digital screen at ‘888’ for a chance to claim a 999.9 gold ingot or other prizes worth over HK$1,000,000 or MOP 2,500,000.

Limited editions

Beauty enthusiasts at DFS Macau’s Shoppes at Four Seasons can purchase the exclusive Lancôme Absolue set and receive a limited-edition Lancôme x Monopoly game set.

For those seeking sensory bliss, DFS offers a Fragrance Wonderland with over 900 curated scents, where expert advisors guide guests through personalised fragrance journeys.

Complimentary makeup demonstrations at DFS Macau’s Shoppes at Four Seasons, City of Dreams, or Galaxy, and DFS Hong Kong’s Canton Road reveal radiant transformations, complemented by up to 65% off beauty products and a Beauty Blind Box valued at HK$900 with a HK$1,888 purchase.

In Okinawa, DFS marks its 20th anniversary in Naha City with a celebration of island culture.

An exclusive marché, curated with The Market, showcases authentic Okinawan delicacies and handmade crafts, offering a taste of the island’s rich heritage.

The newly opened Le Labo pop-up store invites guests to explore artisanal perfumery, with complimentary gifts enhancing each purchase. Families can immerse themselves in the interactive wonder of teamLab Future Park, where digital art sparks joy for all ages.

From 1-5 May, shoppers spending JPY 50,000 in kids’ fashion can enjoy complimentary gifts via a whimsical bubble catcher, while those exploring multiple departments can enter the Fukubiki lucky draw for a chance to win celebratory prizes, adding a sprinkle of excitement to the milestone festivities.

Across the Pacific, DFS has redefined the airport experience at John F. Kennedy, Los Angeles, and San Francisco International Airports, turning pre-flight moments into personal luxuries.

Travelers can streamline their experience with a convenient pre-order service, browsing online and collecting duty free items at the terminal for more time to relax.

At JFK Terminal 4, the exclusive Maker’s Mark Wood Finishing City Series – New York pairs a Gold Rush cocktail with an NYC-exclusive gift, elevating the send-off.

From fragrances starting at $29 to destination-exclusive souvenirs, DFS ensures travellers can find keepsakes to commemorate their journey.

Travel Blue to arrive at TFWA Singapore with larger stand to present ranges

Travel Blue will expand its footprint at this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition in Singapore with a larger stand showcasing a growing range of accessories, backpacks, and luggage.

With a sharp focus on Gen Z, Travel Blue aims to support operators by tapping into the spending power of the segment.

The travel accessories firm will spotlight a range of skus including lightweight backpacks boasting new designs and colours (priced €59-€99), catering to Gen-Z’s demand for functionality, value and style.

“The Asia market is very important to Travel Blue and a major focus for business development,” said Travel Blue Managing Director Daniel Levin. “In the past year, we have worked with retail partners to explore expanding our spaces in store.

“We are really pleased with this opportunity, which reflects changing consumer trends away from luxury to more affordable and practical purchases. We are really looking forward to a busy show and developing exciting plans together with our partners for the coming year.”

In addition to backpacks, Travel Blue will showcase its expanded product lineup, including on-board luggage, ergonomic neck pillows, hot-cold water bottles, and travel electronics such as cables, chargers, and adaptors.

Its hardshell carry-on cases (€129–€169) feature embedded TSA locks, double spinner wheels, and a 10-year global warranty.

The stainless steel hot-cold bottles use double-walled vacuum technology, keeping drinks hot for six hours or cold for twelve.

Archives

Swarovski opens new boutique at King Abdulaziz International Airport

Swarovski Created Diamonds add sparkle to KAIA

Riviera Towel & Gift Co targets growth in global travel retail market

New booth concept and location as Victorinox team eyes TFWA WE

Visitor engagement

‘A whale of a milestone’ – Travel Blue lauds recycled plastics progress

B Corp Bitmore to bring travel comfort and convenience solutions to TFWA WE

Doplr powers stand design

ARI & Charlotte Tilbury launch booking service for express beauty treatments

Illums Bolighus joins the Marketplace at Stockholm Arlanda Airport

PeppaRose capitalising on pre-owned demand with GTR Scarfette release

Style with a story

DFS unveils Golden Week extravaganza with luxury rewards and experiences

Limited editions

Travel Blue to arrive at TFWA Singapore with larger stand to present ranges

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