Up close and personal in travel retail
The Orchard amounts to a feast of the senses, packed with vast internal panoramas, the magical allure of an indoor tropical gardens, expansive walkways along the luxury-lined shopping avenues, a thrilling fusion of shopping and dining, and much more.
What I like most perhaps about the store is its non-formulaic approach. No semi-forced walkthrough here, you can go off-piste just as much as you want with a surprise in the form of a travel retail-exclusive or newcomer at almost every turn.
There’s lots of innovation and newness and plenty of store and food & beverage openings, of course. But there’s also a refreshing willingness to try different, even risky things.
This is the closest I’ve got to Hainan since before the pandemic. Where’s my parachute when I need it?
Our gathering evoked the value of the relationships that so many of us in the industry have forged over many years, and the trust and friendship that underpins them.
Visiting Hamad International Airport and Qatar Duty Free is like taking an elixir for those COVID blues.
My final trip of the year, and indeed of the decade, is over. And what a great way to close out the 2010s it turned out to be.
Maria, the member of the cabin crew who looked after me and other passengers nearby, was charming, warm and professional, nothing forced about her manner, simply an outstanding, natural human host and wonderful brand ambassador.
I wondered at one stage if Thabet had several body doubles such was his ability to be constantly on hand.