Interview
Philippe Margueritte on the association’s remit, reach and relevance
(Continued)
Addressing more immediate events, Cannes 2025 comes with a number of changes, including a new innovation concept. Avolta is Lead Partner at the Innovation Square, which TFWA says will cast the spotlight on cutting-edge technologies, sustainable business models and future-focused retail solutions. The 400sq m space close to the Palais des Festivals is designed as a hub for networking, learning and knowledge exchange – including workshop elements. Avolta leads the daytime showcase, which is then reshuffled to become social space with partner brands such as Lacoste in the evening. “The Innovation Square makes a strong statement about how we look at innovation,” says Margueritte. “This will be a very interesting space and a very convenient space, because you don’t need to go outside the exhibition premises to access it.” He adds, “The concept’s success will lie in its durability. We want it to develop and become a place for technical innovation, sustainability innovation, retail innovation and product innovation.” Another key feature is the addition of around 1,000sq m of exhibition space, in particular embedding the yachts in the Harbour Village into the main show. Another highlight noted by Margueritte is TFWA’s continuing support for the inclusive sorts programme ‘Yes We Cannes!’, which takes place in prominent city centre space as the show begins. Finally, the social programme will be amplified by the transformation of The TFWA Lounge of Monday and Tuesday (29-30 September) into late-night venue the ‘Phenomena Club’ on Wednesday 1 October. “Travel retail is still based on relationships,” says Margueritte of the social programme. “Cannes is a fantastic occasion for us to connect and develop our friendships, which can also lead to long-term business partnerships.”
In one key change for Cannes 2025, yachts in the Harbour Village become a full part of the exhibition {Cannes photos: Nathalie Oundjian/TFWA}
Sense of place in Singapore For TFWA Asia Pacific, the format change coming in 2026 will be more profound. Margueritte says, “For Singapore it makes no sense to simply be a small version of Cannes. We believe we should enhance the sense of place element there, to reinforce its status as a haven for Asian brands. “There is of course a place for those European or US brands that want to expand into Asia, as it has been traditionally, but it should also be a launchpad for Asian brands to expand to other regions. “We are looking at original ways to showcase this sense of place, this bridge between west to east and east to west. “We will reveal more soon but it will be very different compared to before in how we present the brands.” Margueritte insists the move is not a reaction to some brands questioning their Singapore show participation. “It is not about this. I understand that people need to make some budget choices, but strategically and long term it makes absolutely no sense for brands to abandon Asia. It is the number one region for travel retail worldwide. “This is a strategic move. Singapore lacked a true strategy. Now it is that bridge between east and west and this strategy needs to be expressed physically in the trade show, which was not the case before.” One thing that Margueritte says will not change is TFWA’s commitment to supporting regional associations around the world, with expertise and funding where appropriate. “These associations are doing very strong complementary work that we are not doing, especially on advocacy. We are on many of their boards and I have attended each of their board meetings this year to show our solidarity. “We are a strong partner and we will continue to be a resource for other associations around the world.” We close by talking about how Margueritte has embraced the role over the past nine months. Has it been a challenge to come from commercial positions over many years to running an association that is not for profit, with a different remit and targets, we ask? Margueritte says, “I have been a board member for many years outside the industry, I have worn many hats and I have been involved in roles that are not commercial. “It’s true that the role of the association is not to grow the business, make profits or distribute dividends. But it does have to generate revenues that allow the association to fund all the projects that we commit to. Otherwise we are going back to members to ask them to pay more.”
Margueritte pledges “evolution rather than revolution” at TFWA World Exhibition and other events
The Asia Pacific show should be a launchpad for Asian brands looking to go global
In managing the evolution – as he terms it – taking place now, is it a challenge to take people on the journey? “Of course it is. You need to explain a lot. You need to have your convictions. But it’s not just me; the Board and MC members are also involved and know that we need to move. “One thing I do know from my years in management is that when you are unanimous, it’s because you are not doing anything new. If you are changing, you need to accept that some people are not following the change, at least in the beginning. “In my other roles I always followed the one-thirds rule. So one-third of people are already where you want to go, another third you can take with you, and the final third you will never take with you.” Margueritte says he is highly motivated to get things done, and remains excited about the sector’s prospects even amid some current headwinds. “I and we work in an amazing industry. If I had to choose one industry today, I would choose travel retail. I have so many friends and so many good memories. And we are a family, which you cannot say of many other sectors. “The fundamentals of our business are super strong. Yes, we have our hiccups but travel retail is super-resilient, is super-innovative and is growing.” With many projects planned though, surely Margueritte will need more than his current one-year term as President to see them through? He won’t comment on the election that takes place in December, but says: “All of these projects are going to happen because they are supported by the Management Committee, the Board and the teams.” Issuing a closing message about how the association moves forward, he says: “We have some catching up to do, but we are going in the right direction with speed and agility. Our role is also not only to follow trends but to anticipate, to bring a fresh vision to our members, and help them prepare for change and for the future.”
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The Moodie Davitt eZine
Issue 347 | 26 September 2025
The Moodie Davitt eZine is published 6 times per year by The Moodie Davitt Report (MA Travel Retail). © All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced without the permission of the Publisher. To find out more visit www.moodiedavittreport.com and to subscribe, please email kristyn@moodiedavittreport.com