I can’t help thinking that all those rather confident alpha male sales assistants prowling either side of the walk-through store are more daunting than they are engaging.
Events
All (very) black in Tokyo, all smiles in Doha
The pressure now really kicks in and I must admit to even greater nerves than on the eve of the All Blacks match – and I was a shivering wreck then.
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Airports
Plenty of dazzle in Daxing; lots of fun (北京坊) in Beijing
The risk in describing Daxing is that you might run out of superlatives. It is an extraordinary testament to architectural genius; and a statement that airports can be beautiful as well as functional, soul-enriching as well as commercial and efficient.
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Airports
Beauty offer takes shape in Beijing
It’s less than two months since I was here last but during that short gap CDF-Sunrise Duty Free has made impressive headway on the ambitious expansion and refurbishment of its beauty and fashion offer at Beijing Capital International Terminal 3.
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Airports
Snowberry, pōwhiri, Pinot Noir and the All Blacks – how Kiwis fly high
The end result represents one of the world’s only skincare bio-discovery gardens, a place of wonder and great beauty. You could walk around the estate for hours, your jaw dropping at every turn.
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Airports
Kick-off before kick-off in Christchurch
Just about every kiwi from newborn child to old-age pensioner is tuned into the fortunes of national side, the All Blacks, who are pursuing an unprecedented third successive tournament triumph (#AllBlacks3peat).
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Airports
Nau mai! Haere Mai! Back in Aotearoa
When you look at the inflight screen flight path and you see the Antarctic looming up as next stop beyond your destination you know you’re a long way south.
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Travel
Homeless in Hong Kong but home again in the land of the long white cloud
Which airline could keep me connected for longest and with the best line speed? Cathay won hands down. I suspect I am not the only travel retail executive deciding that connectivity is key to choice of carrier.
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Airports
The wonderful story of Anushree, a (formerly) unsung hero at Bengaluru Airport
If you watch one video of our industry this year, I suggest you make it this one.
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Airports
A very Grand Cru, a very big elephant in the room, and a very sweet Peranakan Love Story
The retailer’s decision not to bid on the Changi liquor & tobacco concession – which it has held unbroken since 1980 – came as a shellshock to everyone. Many tears were shed. The DFS team here is like family.
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Airports
Catching up with Severino Pušić, travel retail’s low-profile high achiever
Severino is a charismatic but distinctly low-key man. His word is his bond and he believes passionately in his principles, in his company and in his people.
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Airports
Tales of transformation and two-storey grandeur in Singapore
The Louis Vuitton store in T3 is a brilliant combination of a great brand proposition, an instagrammable experience and a thrilling affirmation of Changi Airport’s justifiably renowned shopping offer.
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Airports
All quiet on the eastern front
As always at HKIA there are plenty of ‘Opening Soon’ hoardings, such as the ones for Cartier and Miu Miu pictured. I love the way that Airport Authority Hong Kong never sees its job as done and constantly refreshes its retail and food & beverage offer.