Melbourne Airport
Enhancing Melbourne Airport’s reputation
Melbourne Airport explains the significance of introducing a new duty free partner and its expectations of Lotte Duty Free over the ten-year contract.
As Lotte Duty Free officially opened its new stores, Melbourne Airport senior executives expressed their delight at the milestone moment, in the first change of duty free partner for over 30 years.
Airport CEO Lorie Argus said: “It’s wonderful that we can celebrate the partnership and commitment between Melbourne Airport and Lotte Duty Free for the next ten years.
Lorie Argus: A big decision to recruit a new duty free partner
“We know that Lotte Duty Free has a strong focus on customer service, one of the factors that stood out in its presentation during the tender.
“We like their approach to luxury, which you can see in the store already, and we love the fact that they have so many staff on the floor as we also know that people want experiences.
“Melburnians have high expectations of shopping as we know. Our team in retail are committed to bringing the city experience to the airport and we do really want the airport to be something that Melburnians can be proud of.
“Lotte is aligned to our vision to be Australia’s favourite airport. We are also excited about the renovations that you’ll see over the next few years, which will increase floor space by +40% and that is a very large commitment from us and from Lotte Duty Free. We believe it will be very special and one of the best experiences in Australia.
Power brands will enhance their presence alongside a stronger showing from local and regional brands and concepts, pledges the airport
“We’ll be adding that space to meet the needs of our 76 million passengers year by 2042. Melbourne will be the biggest city in Australia by 2031 and the airport needs to be ready for that.”
“in support of this opening by Lotte Duty Free, Melbourne Airport is also relaunching our Laneway online store, which will connect with Lotte’s offer.”
New spirits concepts will be introduced at the airport over the coming years as part of the Lotte Duty Free investment
Melbourne Airport Chief of Retail Jai McDermott said international travellers can expect new luxury brands and travel exclusives as they head overseas or return home.
“Melbourne is widely regarded as Australia’s fashion capital and the Lotte brand will enhance that reputation with luxury items and travel exclusives that can only be found in duty free,” he said.
“Significant savings can be found across popular categories including alcohol, cosmetics, perfume and eyewear thanks to GST and tax savings, and Lotte’s loyalty programme.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus on the beginning of a new duty free era
A visual of the future look of departures duty free, inspired by Melbourne
“Key in-store features include a mixologist providing holidaymakers with free cocktails, makeup artists offering complimentary tutorials, and skincare consultations, as well as pop-up activations.
“We look forward to partnering with Lotte to enhance the airport’s retail offering and while delivering an improved shopping experience for guests.”
With the relaunched Laneway online duty free store, international travellers can purchase products up to two months ahead of travel and redeem items inside Lotte’s arrivals or departures store on the day of travel.
Lotte Duty Free triumphed in the Melbourne tender against strong competition from five other global players [the final consideration came down to a choice between long-time incumbent Dufry, Lotte Duty Free and Aer Rianta International -Ed]. The contract began on 1 June and runs to May 2033.
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The Moodie Davitt eZine
Issue 325 | 2 August 2023
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