Lagardère Travel Retail wins “Mini Master Concession” at Christchurch Airport

Sydney, October 3rd - The travel retailer has been awarded a “Mini Master Concession” at Christchurch International Airport.

The new eight-year concession will double the existing international retail space and includes six concepts - Aelia Duty Free in both arrivals and departures, RELAY, a confectionery store, a destination store, a Natural Fibre store, as well as flagship Bar & Café in departures.

Covering 1928 sqm of engaging retail space and 544sqm in arrivals the new offerings showcase the best of the South Island of New Zealand, together with the best global brands.

Lagardère Travel Retail will transition the Duty Free offer from JR Duty Free to Aelia Duty Free at the end of November 2018, in time for the busy peak season, and the second phase of the project commencing in March 2019 will see a staggered delivery of all the new concepts by the end of November 2019.

Przemyslaw Lesniak, CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail in Pacific says they have enjoyed a strong and successful partnership with Christchurch airport since 2011.

“It’s fantastic to reach this significant milestone and have the opportunity to build on our strong and trusting partnership. The alignment of the process between our vision for an innovative and unique retail experience, enhanced by the airport’s innovation and ‘out of the box’ thinking will ensure a memorable experience for the travellers in the gateway to the South Island of New Zealand. This win consolidates our position as the market leading travel retailer operator in New Zealand.”

• Driven by the Four Key Pillars of Aelia Duty Free; The Art of the Gift, Facilitation, Care and Here and Nowhere else, the store will showcase a strong element of local sense of place through design elements.
• RELAY, the world class News & Travel Essentials solution, is one of the largest and most recognised brands in global travel retail. Boasting more than 1,200 stores in 22 countries, RELAY provides an extensive Travel Essentials product offer.
• TikiTour, the group’s New Zealand destination concept will bring a truly unique New Zealand experience to Christchurch Airport, while So Chocolate will bring a sweet touch to the mix. An innovative store which delivers an engaging confectionery experience will showcase the iconic Whittaker’s brand.
• Finally, a Natural Fibre store will showcase the best of wool, leather and active leisure wear.

Paul Ryan, Chief Strategy & Development Officer in Pacific Region for Lagardère Travel Retail says the company is thrilled with the concession award.

“It reinforces our strategic plan to operate three business units - Duty Free, Travel Essentials and Food Service - in one location. Every detail has been well considered and tailored for the passengers travelling through the unique Christchurch Airport. We’re looking forward to bringing fresh innovation, interactive experiences and high-quality brand activations to our new concessions to enhance the customer journey.”

Christchurch Airport’s Chief Aeronautical and Commercial Officer Justin Watson says the airport is very excited to take the relationship to the next level.

“We have strong aspirations both from an experiential and digital perspective and Lagardère stood out as the right partner to go on a journey with. As the international gateway to the South Island, we are uniquely placed to offer an experience that showcases the best of our place."

Lagardère Travel Retail operates RELAY, tech2go, Sunglass Hut, Hub and Icons in Christchurch Airport, as well as stores in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Queenstown, Rotorua, Palmerston North Airports and soon to open in Nelson Airport.