CIR commences research into Chinese Shoppers

Counter Intelligence Retail have launched their 2012 Research Program with the exciting Chinese Shopper Study. 

Fieldwork has commenced at terminals in Los Angeles, London Heathrow and Guangzhou, before rolling out to Middle East and further Asia locations later in the month, capturing the perceptions, attitudes and motivations the Chinese traveller has towards airport’s retail offer across all core categories. 

With responses from more than 8,000 inbound and outbound passenger interviews, from a total of eight airport locations including key locations in China, the study will deliver insight into the expectations and behaviours of this fast-growing passenger group; with an insatiable urge for high end luxury brands, status purchasing and the importance of image.

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.

Email: row@essentialcommunications.org.                                                 

December 2011

Imperial Tobacco smoker’s lounge was a hit with MEDFA delegates

Imperial Tobacco is pleased to announce that the smoker’s lounge we sponsored at the recent MEDFA (Middle East Duty Free Association) conference was a huge success.

Held at the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel, Dubai, on November 21-22, this was the 10^th MEDFA conference and the second at which Imperial Tobacco was a platinum sponsor. It was attended by a record breaking 468 delegates of the world wide Duty Free business.

The lounge offered the delegates the opportunity to recharge and discover its premium Davidoff brand in a relaxing outdoor environment. Whilst there, they could take part in the Davidoff quiz – answering a series of questions on the brand and about their favourite place to travel to- via two large touch screens.

Imperial Tobacco is pleased to announce that the winner is Mr Rahib Sfeila from Gulf News who won a trip for two to a destination of his choice. 

“The smokers lounge proved to be a real success and delegates had fun participating in the travel quiz,” says Gotje Rogall, Imperial Tobacco Premium Brand Manager – Global Duty Free. “It was an excellent opportunity for us to show our business partners how we engage with our consumer. We turned one delegate into a lucky traveller!”  The lounge was a venue to network and to get feedback from Imperial’s customers about latest brands news. 

Press enquiries Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.  Email: row@essentialcommunications.org 

December 2011

FURLA ADDS EXTRA FUN, EXTRA COLOUR FOR TRAVEL RETAIL WITH SS12 CRUISE COLLECTION

Furla is delighted to announce the launch of its Spring/Summer 2012 Cruise collection into travel retail.  An interim collection to add further interest to the main SS12 collection, this line introduces additional fun and colour to the best-selling lines and also adds new pieces for both small and large leather goods.

The Cruise collection renews the Mediterranean atmosphere central to the main SS12 offer by using Navy Blue, White and Red colours, while Marine tones are used in a graphic way to recall the ‘pop’ culture. Spotted and striped canvas play with different material and colours, to create a playful and unusual effect.

Added to the successful Amazzone line is the Amazzone S Shopper available in Pink, White Cotton, Color Argento or Onyx colourways. Made from Saffiano Calf leather, this gorgeous bag retails at €198. Also new is a larger Amazzone M Shopper in  Soft Calf available in Toni Geranio and Toni Anice options.

To complement the bags, Furla has also added a range of brightly coloured Amazzone scarves made from Tessuto Jersey. Colours include Fuchsia, Geranio, Pink and Viola, and Turquoise and Fuschia, all retailing at €80.

Candy is one of Furla’s best selling designs, loved by the young and young-at-heart.  Now added to the SS12 collection is the new Candy S Bauletto  in Anice and Geranio or Opaline and Anice colourways. Retailing at €175, these bags are very in-trend.

Furla is also extending the popular Bon Bon line with an XL Shopper made from an unusual combination of  Gomma Gel + Canvas Stampa Righe, available in Geranio and Toni Anice or Anice and Toni Geranio colourways. Again, very hot on the fashion scene, this bag will retail at €220.

The Divide-It line rings the changes and introduces an unusual look with the S Shopper MC and the M Shopper MC, patterned with a polka dot front and a striped back. They are available in Vitello Stampa Righe and Vitello Stampa Pois in Toni Geranio and Toni Anice or Vitello Stampa Alce in Latte and Geranio colours.

To complete the offer, the new Joy line of bags is the Tracolla shape, available in small and extra small sizes – perfect for evening use. Available in Vitello Stampa Alce and Vitello Stampa Cocco Schiena Real in Latte and Curacao or Geranio and Curacao, or Vitello Stampa Alce and Vitello Stampa Pitone in Latte and Roccia and Light Taupe and Miele. Retail prices are €165 for the extra small, €270 for the small.

To perfectly complement the bags, there are colour-co-ordinated scarves, made from Seta Craponne. These retail at €80.

Additional small leathergoods are also introduced, including the Lollipop Mini-bag in Cerniera. Available in Toni Onyx or Toni Geranio colour options  at €250.

Says Furla Head of Travel Retail Gerry Munday: ‘We had an absolutely brilliant response to the Spring Summer 12 collection at TFWA World Exhibition in September, since then we have confirmed more than 40 new locations for the brand. This supplementary Cruise collection adds even more excitement and uniqueness to the offer and I know that our retail customers will be delighted with the additional choice they now have. It’s a joy to be working with such a forward thinking and dynamic company.’

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.  Email: row@essentialcommunications.org

December 2011

Harston Group announces restructure

The Harston Group is pleased to announce that Hans Eulenhoefer has taken over as Managing Director. Hans will be dividing his time between Harston’s Miami and Cebu offices and will also be travelling to meet with key customers. Margaret Taylor will now focus on the more strategic issues and act in an advisory role as a Director.

Hans has been involved with the set up and development of Harston since its conception in 2009; prior to which he was integral part of the Timex Duty Free team for eight years.

Harston also welcomes Mikel Perdices to its team as Marketing Director. Mikel, who is based in the company’s Cebu headquarters, will be responsible for all marketing matters, including the organization of Harston’s exhibition activity and day-to-day communications with the company’s suppliers.

Mikel brings wide ranging experience in Marketing and Sales Operations to the Harston Group with a background that includes communications, branding and product management for companies such as Acer, Microsoft and Trend Micro.

Meanwhile, Harston is further strengthening the team with more Area Sales Managers and is implementing sales systems to give even better coverage for the brands it represents in duty free and select domestic markets.

Says Hans Eulenhoefer: “We are delighted that Mikel has joined the Harston Group team; his experience will bring huge benefits to the business and he will play a key role in taking the company’s marketing strategy forward.

“We’re confident that the new structure implemented will deliver even better results for the Harston Group and the brands we represent as our travel retail business continues to grow.”

Notes to editors: The Harston Group  represents  a wide range of brands within global and selected travel retail markets including watch and jewellery collections from Invicta, Jacques Lemans, Jacques Farel, Jacques Farel Kids, Puma and Esprit; plus Carolina Herrera, Tous, Loewe, Pepe Jeans plus B+D eyewear.

A separate division, Harston Cellars, represents CVBG, Dourthe, the Michelle Rolland Collection, Yvon Mau, Banfi, Marques de Riscal, Royal Tokaji, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Chateau Ste. Michelle wines.

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.  Email: row@essentialcommunications.org.

November 2011

Old England watches targets travel retail following listing on BA

Relaunched this year, vintage British watch brand Old England is targeting travel retail with its range of bold and colourful timepieces. The brand has gained a first-time listing with British Airways for its long-haul routes from November and is confident this will act as a springboard for further business in the travel retail sector.

Originally launched in 1967, this defiantly British brand captured the spirit and energy of London’s role as a fashion capital.  With fans and wearers of the brand coming from musical, fashion and even true royalty, Old England enjoyed success in the UK as well as the USA and other international markets. This year, has seen a relaunch of Old England with a small collection of pieces true to the brand’s original archive. 

British Airways is listing an iconic piece that represents all of Old England values of ‘British-ness’ and fashion bravery. With its oversized case, vibrant Union Jack dial, and hi-gloss strap this is a piece that remains true to its 1960s heritage whilst remaining utterly relevant to today’s lover of fashion accessories.  It is priced onboard at £85.00

Says Philip Woolff, Sales & Marketing Director, Old England Watches: “With its strong British design theme, we’re certain that Old England watches will prove to be perfect for the travelling consumer – ideal for those who want to take ‘A piece of Britain’ home with them either for themselves or as a gift. They’re the ideal destination merchandise!

“We’re delighted that British Airways is the first airline to carry an Old England watch.  With its British identity and global reach, we couldn’t think of a better airline than BA to help re-introduce the brand to the travelling consumer.”

Old England is developing a strong presence on the UK retail market with listings through Selfridges in London and Manchester and Boutique by Goldsmith stores in Westfield, Stratford and Lakeside, as well as selected fashion retailers. “Alongside this we hope to build a market for the brand in the travel retail sector over the coming months, both inflight and on the ground” continues Woolff. ‘Old England is stylish, contemporary and definitely different to anything else in the market.’

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.Email:row@essentialcommunications.org

November 2011