DFNI Providing all the latest news on the travel-retail industry with interviews, editorials and more
The retailer, which secured one of two sought-after concessions at the airport covering 2,300sq m of retail space across arrivals and departures, is relishing the opportunity to bring the ARI duty-free experience to Australasia for the first time.
ARI CEO Jack McGowan told DFNIonline: “The tender was extremely tough and we commended the commercial team on their process and approach. We discovered early on a great cultural fit and that this was an airport team we could successfully partner with.”
Reflecting on the company’s tender proposal, McGowan said its passion for being consumer centric and apetite for partnership to deliver the best total customer experience were key differentiators. He added: “This is where we have clear synergies with the Auckland airport team. We feel these synergies coupled with our working style bode well for a successful partnerhsip.”
He added: “Our strategic vision, deep customer understanding and ability to continuously drive revenue in highly competitive markets successfully differentiated us. We invest heavily in all our locations in customer research to really understand customer needs and tailor our offering to maximise satisfaction and revenue.”
Estlablishing itself in the Pacific is particualarly pleasing for McGowan, who commented: “This represents a wonderful opportunity for ARI to enter a new partnership with an ambitious, forward-looking airport authority that is seeking to collaborate with a global duty free operator to enhance the retail experience of international and domestic passengers at Auckland International airport.
“While the region itself is new to ARI the nature of the market is not. With 50% of the traffic being trans-Tasman it is essential that we can operate successfully in highly competitive markets where there is high levels of domestic traffic to neighbouring countries. We can draw on our experience in markets such as Ireland, Cyprus and Montreal in this area.”
Delivering an “outstanding” retail offer in Auckland is the main objectve for ARI, while keeping an eye on other opportunties. McGowan said: “We are constantly reviewing new tender opportunities which like Auckland present an excellent fit in terms of our competitive advantage and the needs of the airport.”
DFNIonline will be on location as ARI unveils its new Dublin airport terminal one offer late this week.
