The Moodie Blog in India – Day 1: Cochin

The Moodie Report – and, of course, The Moodie Blog – are back in India, beginning a five-day whistlestop tour of this amazing country. Tonight I arrived via Singapore to Cochin International Airport, gateway to beautiful Kerala and home to Alpha Kreol, India’s longest-running duty free success story. Despite the late hour (well after 10p.m)

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The spirit of renaissance

“Credit card facilities are available,” said DFS Group’s John Hoover, with a smile writ large on his face inviting his audience to purchase the retailer’s latest Changi travel retail spirits exclusive. But this wasn’t any ordinary bottle of spirits. He was referring to Bombay Sapphire Revelation, the S$284,000 (US$200,00) ultra-luxury decanter that was unveiled at

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Anyone for Teese? Dita leaves Cointreau drinkers both shaken and stirred

Meet Dita. Dita Von Teese. As in the US burlesque artist, model, actress and former wife of Marilyn Manson. The magnificently named Ms Von Teese is famous for many things, including a concert at the New York Academy of Art, where she gave a literally sparkling performance by wearing nothing but US$5 million worth of diamonds.   Now Dita Von

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Twin propellers of penetration, Baileys style

For years Baileys Irish Cream has been one of the most innovative brands in travel retail and it’s clear the tradition is continuing. I snapped the pictures above and below at DFS Group’s main store at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 last week, en route to Bangkok. What drew my eye were the perky little

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From Larnaca to Las Vegas

Las Vegas comes to Larnaca. That might sound an unlikely prospect but that’s what is happening in Cyprus as CTC-ARI Airports launches one of the most high-profile promotions seen in the airport retail channel. It’s called ‘Amazing Days at the Airport – Viva Las Vegas’ and it’s part of a planned series of ‘Amazing Day’-themed

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Maui Jim comes out of the shade to climb new peaks

It may be a newcomer to the travel retail channel but Hawaiian sunglasses brand Maui Jim is quickly making a name for itself. That’s down to a quirky style, great people, innovative promotions – and, of course, a quality product. The brand has its origins on the beautiful beaches of Maui, Hawaii (yes there is a Maui

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A Regal journey

This Moodie BLOG comes to you from the lounge at Frankfurt Airport, 7 hours into a unique travel retail journey from New York JFK Airport to Singapore Changi. I’m travelling with the Pernod Ricard Asia travel retail team, Managing Director Alexandre Ricard and two of his senior team, Patrick Castanier and Gloria Song. And one

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A six-pack with a difference

Bahrain Duty Free has sold plenty of  six-packs in its time. Usually cans of Heineken or Amstel, cartons of Nido milk powder or multi-packs of best-selling confectionery such as Jewels. But the multi-award winning retailer has really outdone itself with its latest mega-promotion – The Magnificent Six x 2. The six is a reference not to

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Hong Kong SkyMart opens the new trunk line

Airport Authority Hong Kong’s ebullient Commercial Director Hans Bakker sees the airport as a modern day cross-roads. But in this case one that brings together all forms of transport – planes and boats and trains, as well as cars and helicopters. And knowing Hans, I wouldn’t count out submarines coming next… With all those modes

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BAA = Brilliant Airport Advertising

Every travel retailer or airport executive affected by the aviation security crisis should sit up and take notice of a new advertising campaign just launched by BAA. The Moodie Report has been critical on several occasions about the inadequate consumer communication put in place since the 10 August terror alert and the subsequent crackdowns on

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‘Oh power of Scotland’ – or ‘How to raise the average spend’

Two of the industry’s great characters, great influences and great Scots, Aer Rianta International’s Bill Maxwell (left) and Emirates Duty Free Manager John Sime celebrated long into the night after the Frontier Awards in Cannes. This followed the success of Emirates in winning Best Partnership Initiative of the Year for its remarkable alliance with German

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Getting into the Brazilian spirit at T4

Nice to see the Heathrow Terminal 4 promotional bar in the heart of the liquor, tobacco and confectionery shop flourishing. As I wearily put back on my shoes and belt and put away my precious laptop post security on Sunday night, the bar drew me in like a beacon. “Hello Sir, try this cocktail –

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