Avolta secures extension and expansion at Edinburgh Airport
Avolta will enlarge current World Duty Free at Edinburgh Airport by 30%
Avolta AG has announced the renewal of its contract to operate the tax and duty free shop at Edinburgh Airport, extending the agreement by seven years. This extension not only reaffirms Avolta's commitment, stemming from over two decades of operation at the airport, but also enlarges the retail space by 30%. Edinburgh Airport stands as Scotland's busiest airport, serving nearly 15 million passengers annually as of 2019, and plays a critical role in bolstering the Scottish economy through its extensive connectivity both within the UK and globally.
Overhaul and enlargement
As part of the renewal, Avolta plans a comprehensive overhaul of the existing World Duty Free store, which will also be expanded to 1,740 square meters. The revamped store will maintain its walkthrough design and introduce several new sections, including areas dedicated to local Scottish food, souvenirs and prominently featured whisky, liquor, food, and confectionery Scottish brands. This redesign aims to enhance the shopping experience, making it more engaging and reflective of Scotland's rich culinary and cultural heritage.
Haute Parfumerie
In addition to these local highlights, the store will feature Avolta's signature Haute Parfumerie section, showcasing a wider array of luxury fragrance brands such as Creed, Penhaligon’s, and Le Labo. The beauty section will welcome new brands such as Charlotte Tilbury and Kylie, alongside established favorites like Jo Malone London and MAC, which will be integrated into the World Duty Free main store.
Digital innovations
Aligned with the industry's shift towards digitalization and the growing reliance of travelers on digital solutions, the new store will be equipped with digital innovations including an interactive fragrance finder and virtual reality technology for trying on makeup, as well as a digital guide in the whisky section to assist customers in selecting the ideal Scottish whisky. This transformation demonstrates Avolta's commitment to enhancing customer experiences through both physical and digital retail innovations.
Fred Creighton, CEO UK and Ireland for Avolta, commented: “We are delighted to have been successful in extending our contract to continue operating the tax and duty free store at Edinburgh Airport for the next seven years, and would like to thank our colleagues there for their continued trust and valued partnership. Through our commercial offer we aim to make the travel journey as rewarding as the destination, and the refurbishment we have planned for our World Duty Free store in Edinburgh will take the airport shopping experience to another level for the many travelers who visit the airport each year.”
Gail Taylor, Chief Commercial Officer (Non-Aero) at Edinburgh Airport, said: “We are Scotland’s airport, and we want to ensure that the many millions of international passengers that come to see what our country has to offer have the chance to take a little bit of it home by increasing the presence of Scottish brands. By placing a greater focus on our whiskies, gins and larder, it means we are showcasing our world-famous food and drink, extending Scotland’s reach across the world. The refurbishment also allows us to introduce new and exciting brands across all of our ranges, offering our passengers the opportunity to treat themselves and get their trip off to a fantastic start.”
