Qatar Duty Free signals ambitions for international expansion
Published: 25/11/13
Source: ©The Moodie Report
By Rahul Odedra in Doha
QATAR. Qatar Duty Free has dropped its strongest indication yet that it is preparing to expand internationally, with Senior Vice President Keith Hunter saying the company will look at opportunities around the world.
His comments came during a round-table session on Day One of the Middle East and Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) Conference, which is currently taking place in Doha at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
“Our focus right now is on getting Hamad International open, moving into our new home and capitalising on that opportunity but thinking ahead where do we go once we hit that 50 million [passenger mark],” he said.
“[We’re] looking at the next steps of terminal development but also looking further afield. Does our destiny just lie here in Doha?
“We’ll be looking all around the world [for] any opportunities where it may be a business opportunity for us or a partnership or an association.”
He added that opportunities could take in domestic and/or travel retailing in new markets.
Any international expansion would come at a time when the company is also about to embark on significant growth in Qatar itself, with the company set to operate approximately 25,000sq m of retail and food beverage space in the New Hamad International Airport. It is scheduled to open early next year.
In a keynote address before the round-table, Hunter (representing Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker, who had to miss the event due to a last-minute change in his schedule) gave delegates a flavour of the retailer’s ambitious offer at the new hub, explaining how it has created a number of new concepts for it.
Al Baker’s speech, as delivered by Hunter, noted: “Travellers are seeking unique experiences, unique products and unique concepts. Understanding this is essential. This is why we have created our own brands. We are proud to be introducing concepts that are niche, and deliver a personalised shopping experience.
“I won’t reveal too many details about these concepts right now, however I will say that they have been created especially for the airport and have been created internally within our group, specifically with passenger needs and preferences in mind,” he said.
“The intent behind these concepts is to expand the offering that Qatar Duty Free can give to its customers. But rest assured – this is not in place of our existing product mix.
“It is simply about innovation; providing a unique alternative to the shopping experience which we will not necessarily be confined to the airport alone. These may in fact be concepts that make their way onto the streets of Doha, Dubai, or even Singapore or Los Angeles.”
He added that the core principles behind the model it will follow at the new airport will be to be personal, bespoke, inviting and luxurious, but not overbearing.
“We have created cafés, restaurants, lounges, all as stand -alone areas so that we provide an enjoyable experience that doesn’t even feel like you are in an airport.”
In a further hint at the plans to go overseas, Al Baker’s speech noted: “Our duty free model is about building a legacy as a retailer. It is our mission to build a sustainable model that is going places – literally.”
Further images and highlights from Day One at MEADFA to follow. The event is being moderated by The Moodie Report Vice Chairman Dermot Davitt, alongside APTRA Executive Officer Michael Barrett.
Qatar Duty Free signals ambitions for international expansion
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét