Hectic at Heathrow

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Martin Moodie
Martin Moodie is the Founder & Chairman of The Moodie Report.

London Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 is absolutely humming. It’s about 8.45 p.m. on a Thursday night and this incredible melting pot of humanity is seething with activity. And while many of its passengers are sitting quietly waiting for their flights (above) many others are spending up large in T3’s stores and food & beverage outlets, some of which are doing incredible business.

If you want instant confirmation of why so many companies are drawn to this channel, take a visit here around this time any evening.

As always at Heathrow, taking photos is a high-risk strategy. I was moved on twice, once in a distinctly non-friendly manner by a staff member in the World Duty Free perfumes & cosmetics department. But he didn’t know I was taking photos in order to compliment the retailer on such an excellent offering and he was doing his job, I suppose. I have already been officially warned once (at Heathrow T5) under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (for filming a skincare department, no less) so I need to be careful….

As is now my norm, I selected five key talking points from my whirlwind tour before collapsing into the Singapore Airlines lounge for a dose of serenity and a larger dose of Sauvignon Blanc. Here are the images – words to follow when I arrive in Singapore.

Caviar House & Prunier: I keep singling it out but you can see why, can’t you? An oasis of calm amid all the madness.

MAC: Sorry about the lousy photo but just look at the line-up that’s been drawn to this great, consumer-engaging brand.

The Wine Collection: World Duty Free is now doing a great job with wine in many of its outlets. This is more a corner than a store but it still does the job well, with a wide range of First Growth Bordeaux and other great wines.

 

Rhubarb: One of the most under-rated outlets in global airport F&B. I love it. Note the powerpoints provided for diners wanting to power their laptops or phones.

Queuing at World Duty Free fragrances & cosmetics: Great store, great offer. But… great queue. I saw two potential customers give up and walk away.

More to follow. I’ve got a plane to catch.

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