Dufry expands in APAC with Perth Airport store

By

Benjamin Fitzgerald

Published
Jul 25, 2018

Swiss duty-free retailer Dufry continues to expand its retail reach in Asia-Pacific with an opening at Perth Airport.

Located in the International airport's Terminal 1, the 2,300-square-metre store will be segmented into 1,200 square metres for departures and 1,100 square metres for the arrivals area.

Several categories will be represented such as perfumes and cosmetics, wine and spirits, tobacco, confectionery, electronics, and watches and fashion accessories, with "a strong emphasis on digital development," Dufry said in a press release.

The retailer said it will partner with Perth Airport to enhance the digital channel experience for passengers through the roll out of RED by Dufry, Reserve and Collect and Instore Digital tools, part of its overall digital retail strategy.

"We are set to develop a retail experience with a high level of technological innovation, a bespoke sense of place, and a strong focus on digital engagement," said Andrea Belardini, Dufry’s divisional CEO for Eastern Europe, Asia, Middle East and Australia. 

Dufry recently opened its 'New Generation Store' in Melbourne and its commitment to the Hong Kong High Speed Railway contract, the firm continues to hone in on the international traveller, and sees Perth as the next portal of influence in the region, particularly in servicing the broader Asian market.

"We have appreciated since the outset the close cooperation with Perth Airport management in setting a common agenda and establishing ways of working to ensure the delivery of a consumer centric approach," added Belardini.

Perth Airport has undergone a major transformation over the past seven years with a $1 billion redevelopment program, and is now planning another $2.5 billion of development including an upgrade of the T1 International terminal, "to meet predicted strong passenger growth," said the airport's CEO, Kevin Brown.

"Dufry’s holistic duty-free concept will further enhance the passenger experience and grow the duty-free category," he added.

The retail contract of Dufry's Perth Airport store runs for seven years.