Growing retail revenues at airports

Abstract

The travel retail industry has enjoyed growth rates which, no doubt, have been the envy of a number of other industries, but can that historical growth be counted on going forward? Airports have a constant need to plan and implement capacity expansion, and commercial revenues play a key role in ensuring the capability to finance the significant capital expenditure needed. But what is the ideal model of partnership between the parties in travel retail (ie airport, retailer and supplier) and how can growth of the industry be supported? This paper discusses today's influencing factors, the changes in consumer behaviour, the power of digital media and increasing levels of complexity in travel retail. It also gives some interesting examples of initiatives to stimulate growth and customer satisfaction in travel retail.