The Evolving Business of High-End Duty-Free Shopping

It’s remarkable how much the duty-free retail experience has changed over the last decade or so. In the past, it wasn’t an area of interest for many airports — and some would argue this is still the case in the United States — but it has morphed into something more sophisticated at certain hubs.

Retail brands are increasingly trying out new techniques on customers who, after all, have nowhere to go for at least a couple of hours.

For feedback or news tips, reach out via email at [email protected] or tweet me @paddywhyte.

— Patrick Whyte, Europe Editor

5 Looks at Luxury

Luxury Beauty Brands Make Over Airport Retail: Duty-free airport retail is an excellent way to reach coveted consumers. But airports also serve as the perfect global showcase for brands to test-market products, try out new retail concepts, and build brand awareness among customers from emerging countries.

U.S. Affluent Travelers Plan More Wellness Trips This Year: Skift Research: In its third year, Skift Research’s U.S. Affluent Traveler Survey provides necessary insight for travel industry insiders by revealing the particularities of this lucrative target market.

5 Travel Insights From Skift Forum Europe 2019: Whether or not they are doing enough, at least companies are starting to address some of the wider issues around the travel and tourism industry.

Airbnb Goes Manhattan Upscale With Apartment-Style Suites at Rockefeller Center: It’s got to be hard to get that “local feel” when you’re staying at one of the biggest tourist destinations in New York City.

The Bird Man of Big Sur Helps This Resort’s Guests Connect With Nature: Antonio Balestreri’s work depends on how well he can educate guests on the role of raptors in the environment, something which gives his presentations a serious edge.

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Skift Europe Editor Patrick Whyte [[email protected]] curates the New Luxury newsletter. Skift emails the newsletter every Tuesday.

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