Travel Retail.
World-renowned branded products such as perfume and cosmetics, wine, and premium spirits – anyone looking for a gift for loved ones while traveling or wanting to pass the time by shopping will find a wide range of offerings at every airport. Travel retail is an important part of ground service offerings. At the heart of airport retail are the duty-free shops with their wide selection.
Travel retail at airports is known for its broad range of duty-free and travel-value shops, boutiques, and dining options. It represents a significant economic sector within the globally connected air transport industry, with substantial employment effects at the respective airports. Retail concepts are designed to appeal to both infrequent travelers looking for occasional purchases and experienced business travelers with their attractive offerings.
Providers in this segment benefit from the fact that travelers often use their time at airports as an opportunity for a diverse shopping experience. World-famous branded products such as perfumes, spirits, and tobacco products are among the classics that travelers enjoy purchasing here – often even duty-free on international flights. Increasingly, local products and experience-oriented offerings are also coming into focus, providing passengers with authentic local experiences even during a short stay.
Online Shop and Click and Collect
Digitalization has also impacted the business of travel retail providers. Many airports and retailers are implementing multi-channel strategies that allow customers to pre-order products online. These can be conveniently picked up at the airport before boarding or even delivered directly to their home.
Sustainability in Global Trade
Sustainability aspects are also a key focus. In the travel retail sector, this primarily involves sustainable shop design and sustainability in global supply chains, from the manufacturer to the respective airport location. Increasingly, sustainably produced and particularly eco-friendly products, as well as packaging made from recyclable materials, are being offered.
Travel retail providers are typically internationally positioned. Globally, they benefit from the increasing number of international flight routes, rising passenger numbers, and the associated worldwide expansion of airports. The Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East, in particular, are currently experiencing and are expected to continue to experience significant growth in this segment