Morgan & Oates offers new customising service

Morgan & Oates will be exhibiting at ARC Singapore next month (February), highlighting its travel retail exclusive collections of wraps and scarves in pure Cashmere, Silk and Cashmere/Merino mix, which are listed on airlines globally (stand S7).

In response to customer demand, the company is now offering a customised service to airlines, enabling airlines to pick their own variants of colours, patterns and textiles.

Says M&O sales director Kevin Galbraith: ‘Increasingly we are being asked by airlines to provide a particular line in a specific colour, or an existing colour in a particular textile mix. For example, one airline asked us to create for them exclusively a salmon pink version of our 100% silk scarf while another has asked for a version of our Ringshawl leopard print in a cashmere/merino mix.

‘As we are small and flexible enough to do this, we’re now promoting this ability to customise our lines for airline and retail customers. So if a client wants a gentle peach version of a vivid orange wrap, or a pure cashmere version of a design currently available in cashmere/merino mix, then we can do this without a problem. This enables airlines to offer a product that is not only exclusive to travel retail, but also exclusive to them as a carrier.’

At ARC, Kevin Galbraith will be pleased to discuss this new option with airlines. On the stand, buyers will be able to see examples of the company’s gorgeous range of scarves and wraps, including the new mixed fibre version of its Ring Shawl collection in 10% Cashmere, 30% Silk and 60% Fine Wool which retail at €50.

For further information on the company, go to www.morganandoates.com.

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

 January 2012

WORLD OF PATRIA TAKES CHARGE IN ORLANDO

World of Patria International has diversified its product range with two new sophisticated charging items from powerpacksales.com. The new line will be introduced at the Duty Free Show of the Americas in March (booth 1300).

‘Yes our forte is as a travel retail distributor of premium and super premium spirits and wines, along with beer, but we are also representing Fazer Confectionery and Ted’s Cigars in specific regions and do feel strongly that we are in a strong position to develop our business to become – over time – a one-stop cross-category shop,’ says WOPI director Andy Butcher. ‘It’s not something we are going to charge into blindly, but if products come our way which we believe in, and which have potential in the market in which we operate, then we will always consider them seriously. The Power Pack Sales line is one which we feel has real potential within travel retail.’

On offer is an Iphone 4 Charger & Case and a Solar Powerstore.

Iphone 4 Charger & Case (compatible with iPhone 4 and 4S). Adding only 3mm to the iPhone depth (the thinnest profile currently available), the charger has a built-in lithium battery to increase standby time. All the iPhone4 features can be used without removing it from the case, which also protects from bumps and scratches, and it includes a pull-out stand for face to face calls. Available in white, black, brown or black leather, other features include protective IC to avoid short circuit, overcharging and malfunction; charging via mains power or supplied USB cable and sync with computer when charging. RRP in travel retail is £40.

Solar Powerstore. The Solar Powerstore offers up to 120 hours standby time for mobile phones or – specifically – 6 hours talk time, 8 hours gaming for PSP, 4 hours satellite navigation, 1200 camera images, and 40 hours for built-in flash light. Retailing in travel retail at £35 the Solar Powerstore can be charged with direct sunlight or, alternatively, with the supplied USB cable. Pocked sized, lightweight, and perfect for travelling, it stores energy for up to one month using the latest Li-ion energy cell and is ideal for use with mobile phones, iPods, MP3/4 players, PSP, cameras and sat-navs.

‘What we love about the Power Pack Sales products is that, while we are not claiming that they are unique, they are stylish, well priced and do what they are supposed to do,’ adds Butcher. ‘We’re looking forward to demonstrating just how well they work during the Orlando show.’

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

January 2011

PVM announces new area manager for Middle East

Following the departure of Wouter Heijmann at the end of last year, Perfetti Van Melle Global Travel Retail is pleased to announce the appointment of Rolf de Hoogh as Area Manager for the Middle East and parts of Europe, effective from March 1^st 2012. He will assume responsibility for all existing clients and new business within the Middle East region.

Rolf joins GTR from the domestic Perfetti Van Melle Benelux team. Rolf joined the company in September 2006 since when he has acquired great experience and understanding of Sales and Trade Marketing thanks to roles developing from sales representative to account manager with a side step into trade marketing. In his last job, Rolf managed a number of key accounts where, in several cases, Perfetti Van Melle is considered a ‘category captain’. This required a great deal of close cooperation with clients, giving Rolf a wealth of insight in the confectionery category.

Laurens Krijgsman will remain responsible for Asia (and a part of Europe), while Eric Vermetten will continue dedicating his efforts to the Americas and Europe.

Says Mark Laros, Director of Travel Retail for PVM GTR: ‘We are delighted to welcome Rolf to the global travel retail team this year. He brings additional sales and trade marketing experience to the business and joins at a very exciting time for Perfetti Van Melle in travel retail. We have ambitious expansion plans for our brands this year and believe we now have the very best team on the ground to achieve our goals.’

For further information contact: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.

Email: row@essentialcommunications.org

January 2011

TRAVEL BLUE - A GLOBAL SUPPLIER TO DUFRY & HUDSON

Travel Blue, the leading Travel Accessories supplier in Travel Retail is to supply Dufry and Hudson globally with Travel Accessories.

Travel Blue has worked with Dufry and Hudson successfully for a number of years in selected locations worldwide. The new agreement is a significant step forward for the brand’s growth within the travel sector and a major boost to its objective of developing sales within the Americas.

Avi Levin Managing Director of Travel Blue says, “We are delighted to be associated with such a prestigious forward thinking global operator as the Dufry Group.”

Jonathan Smith, Head of Global Travel Retail for Travel Blue says, “Travel Blue has proved its ability to supply and, as important, to service clients all over the world. Becoming a global supplier to Dufry and Hudson is an acknowledgment of Travel Blue’s ability and expertise to work with major duty free operators, offering the 'Complete Package' of high sales per square foot, competitive margins and an excellent level of service. I look forward to a long and close working relationship with the Dufry Group.”

The company will be exhibiting at the Duty Free Show of the Americas again this year, where it is taking a much bigger stand space (booth 2317) to reflect its commitment to growth in the region. The Company will show its extensive range of more than 250 Travel Accessories.

Travel Blue has a very wide client base in domestic and duty free/travel retail markets all over the world. Among its clients are Gebr Heinemann, King Power, Sunrise, CNDFG, Nuance and Nuance-Watson, Dubai Duty Free, WH Smith, etc.

In 2009 the company introduced its FREE-LOST-FOUND service, which gives the consumer the comfort of knowing that his/her valuables can be traced and found all over the world. This service is completely free of charge for customers and consumers alike, a real added value for travellers.

Travel Blue claims that comparative tests with competitive brands has shown that stocking the Travel Blue range can increase sales by up to 25% ‘The quality and variety of our product range, our commitment to environmentally friendly packaging, customer service, product training, and our Free-Lost-Found service are a powerful combination for airport retailers,’ says Jonathan Smith, Head of Travel Retail.

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

January 2012

Scorpio brings new and refreshed lines to Orlando

At this year’s Duty Free Show of the Americas, Scorpio Travel Retail Sales will showcase a refreshed, product portfolio which include its cutting edge Aviator Watch collection for 2012, plus the updated collection of Pierre Cardin fashion jewellery (booth 1031).

For the first time in Orlando, Scorpio will show its full collection of Avalanche Watches, the company’s colourful, high fashion watch brand, which includes a GWP exclusive for Travel Retail, and is now available with specially designed merchandising units for retail outlets.

Understanding the consumer demand for value, whilst not compromising quality or design, Scorpio relaunched the Montine watch collection at TFWA World Exhibition last year, initially for inflight. Successfully received, the brand is now also available to ground shops/cruiseships with special merchandising units currently being developed. With models for men and women, Montine combines classic designs and a genuinely ‘up-market’ feel with superb retail prices, starting at just $30. Montine is exclusive to travel retail – both inflight and ground shops.

Children’s lines

Another first for The Americas show will be the launch of Scorpio’s Kid’s ‘Time Design’ range – a unique watch gift concept for children. All priced at $29.99, the Time Design sets offer a fantastic concept to travel retail with a variety of styles available for both boys and girls, all representing exceptional value for money and ease of purchase. New to the selection are destination/souvenir sets: America (one for boys, one for girls) and Canada (unisex), each containing a watch, pen, keyring and notebook.

Still on the children’s theme, Scorpio is also introducing the Hape range of eco-friendly traditional and educational toys to the Americas. Made from high quality materials using bamboo, fun and ecologically sound, the offer includes an E-plane, E-truck, E-offroader; E-racer Monza, E-racer Le Mans, and E-racer Suzuka plus various puzzles, play and strategy games. Retail prices range from $10-$40.

Scorpio’s successful Just plush toy range is also being extended with a new “Travelling Together” concept, designed to promote sales at point of purchase. Each Toffee Bear, Puddles Dog and Scratch Cat (all available in three sizes) come complete with a felt “Travelling Together” tag which allows the purchaser to write a ‘ to and from’  message. Also new are a collection of three bright and cheerful Rag Dolls – Daisy, Lily and Poppy – and two new Scented Bears – mint and cotton candy. Finally, there’s a fun Camel Hand Puppet with sound, ideal as a destination/souvenir item.

Last but not least, for the first time in America, the company is showing the Faber-Castell collection of Design Writing Instruments plus the children’s Red Range for in-flight and travel retail sales.

Body lines

Another first for Scorpio is the introduction of the stunning “Di Polomo” range of bath, body & home products – “Made in Great Britain, inspired in Tuscany, Italy.” Available in three lines, all products are Paraben free and made from a high percentage of natural ingredients.

Scorpio is also launching a range of fun, creative, and highly popular lip balms in multipacks for the travel retail market under the “Lip Smacker” brand. Each balm has its own distinctive scent and flavour – including Coca Cola, Sprite, Fanta and other household names.

Says Scorpio Director of Sales –Travel Retail Garry Stoner: ‘We’re now into our sixth year of business with Travel Retail Sales and have 525 confirmed listings – and we’re expecting that to increase to 750 by the end of this year. The Americas is a key region within our development strategy and we are now working with numerous retailers in both South and North America, including Duty Free Americas, Aerianta International and Nuance. We’ve got some great business now on the US/Canadian border and are very upbeat about the future for the Scorpio portfolio moving forward.’

In addition to all the above exciting new brands and products, Scorpio’s inflight product portfolio will feature a number of new and exciting items which the company looks forward to discussing at the show.

Booth contacts are Group Sales & Marketing Director Richard Kennedy and Tax Free Manager David Roberts.

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

Nestlé partners with Heinemann to drive category sales with Copenhagen Airport’s own Quality Street

A major promotion at Copenhagen Airport has seen Nestlé International Travel Retail partner with retailer Heinemann during December and January to drive sales of Quality Street. In an ‘out of the box’ concept, designed to engage and entice shoppers, the main walkway of the Tax Free Shop at the airport has been renamed ‘Quality Street’, using light-posts carrying the street name and giant hanging Quality Street sweets to drive impact and visibility. To further support the event, hostesses have handed out Quality Street samples and multiple displays of the brand have been installed.

Says NITR business manager Frank Andreassen: ‘This unique activity ticks all the key boxes for securing a successful event. It creates intensive shopper interaction, provides solid shopper visual impact within a major part of shop area, and has utilised cross-category opportunities through the use of multiple displays.’

Adds Heinemann Retail Denmark operational manager Frank Hansen : ‘The idea was to transform the normal walk way in our main shop into a “Quality Street” and it has been a huge success – both visually and in terms of sales. It’s a real example of cooperation between supplier and retailer, namely Nestlé and Gebr Heinemann, and sales levels are proving its success, currently running at 8-10 times above normal level.

In terms of driving conversion rates and increasing basket size, The Quality Street event at Copenhagen airport has totally lived up to expectations and supports the NITR mission to build brand sales through consumer engagement and enticement.

Says Andreassen: ‘We have been delighted with the way that Heinemann has supported us in the execution of this activity within the Tax Free Shop. We believe that there is significant potential to take promotions such as this one step further by extending it outside the shop itself in order to drive footfall into the retail zone. As a first stage, this “out of the box” event has already proven to meet key objective by driving sales volume and contributing to further growth of the confectionery category in general.’

IMAGE Shows: Frank Andreassen, Business Manager Nestle InternationalTravel Retail, Frank Hansen, Operational Manager Heinemann Retail Denmark and Tore Hov, General Manger Heinemann Retail Danmark.

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

January 2012

POLAROID OFFERS EXCLUSIVE SALES OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL RETAIL WITH LAUNCH OF CONTACTSPOD ‘PLUS’ RANGE

January 2012: Polaroid Contact Lens Solutions has developed a premium range of its new Contactspod, designed exclusively for the travel retail market.

The Contactspod ‘Plus’ range has been launched in response to the highly positive feedback from the travel retail industry. Polaroid introduced Contactspod at TFWA Asia Pacific and TFWA World Exhibition last year. The premium range Contactspod ‘Plus’ was designed specifically to meet the needs of the traveller, to fit well within the retailers’ product portfolio and to optimise display capabilities.

Follow-up discussions have resulted in quotes requested by over ten of the world’s leading airlines and cruise operators. One leading airline has approached Polaroid to provide an exclusive travel pack for the carrier, in order to meet the exact needs of its clients.

Contactspod is a world first. It is a very simple but ingenious way of storing lenses in a sealed, single-use case that comes pre-filled with a sterile, multipurpose solution suitable for all contact lens wearers. The size of a make-up compact, the Contactspod case closes to form an airtight seal which will keep contact lenses safe and ready for use once needed. All the world’s leading airlines and aviation authorities recommend the removal of contact lenses when flying long haul. The product has been designed and tested to stay completely sealed at altitude, providing airline passengers with a safe, secure storage option for their contact lenses.

Although many contact lens cases exist on the market, none are pre-filled and hermetically sealed or offer the same level of convenience. Contactspod provides wearers with easy and immediate access to a sterile lens case which could mean fewer eye infections due to incorrect storage and less discomfort from being forced to wear lenses for too long.

The Contactspod ‘Plus’ range, exclusive to travel retail, was developed around customer feedback about what would make eye care easier and practical when travelling. The range includes the following:

• Contactspod Plus - a single-use Contactspod plus handy mirror, perfect when flying or whenever lenses need to be removed when travelling or on holiday including during spa & beauty treatments or active sports
• Contactspod Flight Pack Plus - the perfect set for any traveller when flying. The ‘Plus’pack contains two Contactspods, one for each leg of the flight, five disposable vials of contact lens friendly eye drops (with Pro-Vitamin B5 to protect against dryness and irritation), a clear resealable security bag and a handy mirror
• Eye Drops Flight Pack Plus – 10 single-use vials in a resealable pack containing eye drops suitable for everyone including contact lens wearers. The drops are preservative free and perfect to use on a flight as they contain Pro-Vitamin B5 that soothes the eye and protects against dryness and irritation. Contains a luxury eye mask for added comfort.
• Contactspod Travel Pack Premium – similar to the Contactspod Flight Pack Plus but contains four Contactspods – the perfect set for any regular business or leisure traveller.

Jim Hall, CEO of Polaroid Contact Lens Solutions, said:

“The response to Contactspod has been very encouraging. We have listened to our market and our customers in travel retail and we are delighted to be able to offer the ‘Plus’ range, specifically designed for the traveller. This is a fantastic new business opportunity for additional sales as this range will only be available where and when needed via our travel retailers on board and in airside duty free outlets.”

Polaroid has received a fantastic response from cruise and ferry operators who see the great potential for the practical travellers’ packs and airlines have been equally enthusiastic. Chris Knight Sales and Marketing Director EMEA / Asia, Polaroid Eyewear agrees: ‘It is an exciting concept. One of our customers supplies a number of the leading Asian airlines. They loved the ‘Plus’ range and are keen to have it on board next Summer.’

-ends-

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

TRC launches new modern logo and website

The UK’s Travel Retail Consortium is looking forward to 2012 with a new modern logo and website. The website launched this month (January) and aims to give an overall guide to the TRC and its objectives as well as including details of members, photographic reviews of events held and press coverage. The url is www.travelretailconsortium.co.uk, but the site can also be accessed via www.travelretailconsortium.com.

Originally conceived in the late 1960s and formalised in 1971 to further the interests and development of the Travel Retail industry within the UK through the member companies, the TRC currently has 15 members covering wine, spirit and beer; fragrances & cosmetics; fashion and accessories; tobacco; food and confectionery; and gifts.

Its objectives are to raise standards of business within the Travel Retail industry; promote members products and services; discuss industry issues; and provide social and networking opportunities for key travel retail customers at annual events. The TRC is also active in raising funds for charities such as The Royal Marsden Hospital and the Smile Train.

Meetings are held bi-monthly at members’ or customer company locations covering industry issues, new operators/services, business opportunities etc .

‘We hope that suppliers who are considering joining the TRC will find the website a useful guide to the Consortium - who we are and what we do,’ says Rebecca Harwood Lincoln, PR and Communications Officer for the Travel Retail Consortium. ‘Having just celebrated our 40^th Anniversary, we also felt that this was the perfect time to upgrade the TRC’s logo and bring it into the 21^st Century!’

Membership enquiries should be made to: Chairman - Wayne Morgan Tel: +44 7891038719 wayne.morgan@remy-cointreau.com

Current TRC Members: Accolade Wines; Boddingtons Bitter; Coty Prestige; Guinness; Imperial Tobacco International; JA Associates (JCI Jewelry, Morgan & Oates); Mars; Paramount Imagination; Polaroid Eyewear; Remy Cointreau ; Retail in Motion; Royal Grolsch International; Champagne Taittinger; TRT Limited; Twinings

Press Enquiries: Row Holland, Essential Communications.  Email: row@essentialcommunications.org

January 2012

BE MY SWEETHEART - MCM CELEBRATES VALENTINE’S DAY WITH SWEET VISETOS COLLECTION

To celebrate the month of love, German luxury brand MCM reveals the Sweet Visetos Collection. A witty interpretation of the term ‘sweetheart’, Sweet Visetos symbolizes blooming love with a heart-shaped cherry. A joyful mix of colour and pattern gives the product a kitsch edge, echoing the belief of the brand – love passionately and never be ordinary in doing so.

The new collection presents an adorable size Boston bag, the ever-beloved tambourine bag and long zip-around wallets in two cheerful colours: beige and pink. A perfect gift item for those seeking a sense of romance, the collection is ready to play Cupid.

The message is clear: Be my sweetheart.

These special editions are available from February 2012 exclusively in MCM flagship boutiques worldwide.

About MCM

Born during the heydays of Munich, MCM embodies the rebellious yet sophisticated, and culturally rich spirit of the city. A long-time favourite of international royalty, celebrities and VIPs, MCM draws on its tradition of prestige and quality. The brand has inherited the notion of revolutionized travel that stems from the 1900s, thus the logo symbolizes 1900 in Roman numerals.

MCM continues to be the pioneer of the market by continuously evolving with clever designs, durable materials, and delivering versatile styles to suit every need. Bag styles run from classic black and tan to statement-making models in strong colours. The brand offers sophisticated handbags, practical and stylish luggage, functional business bags and trendy small leather goods, all crafted from materials such as leather, fabric and exotic skins.

MCM has boutiques in major cities such as Athens, Berlin, Düsseldorf, London, New York, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Seoul. The brand is also sold by prestigious retailers in key markets including the US, the UK, Dubai, Italy, and Russia. 

For further information contact:

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

FEBRUARY OPENINGS FOR FURLA AS NEW LOCATION AGREEMENTS CONTINUE

FEBRUARY 2012 sees the first Furla locations opening with CNSC in China. Both 15sq m areas are within the generic leather goods stores at the downtown gallerias in Beijing and Harbin. ‘These are the first two locations within a very active travel retail program with CNSC for Furla in China this year,’ says Head of Travel Retail Gerry Munday. ‘We’ll be opening with the new Spring Summer 2012 Collection at both stores and are very excited and confident of the reaction from customers. China holds huge potential for the brand and we’re absolutely delighted at the response from retailers to date.’  In addition, Furla’s location at Sunrise’s T3 store at Beijing International Airport is being refurbished this month creating a new 20sq m personalised space for the brand.

Next month also sees an 8sq m space for Furla opening within the fashion store at Cairo International Airport, again featuring the SS12 collection.

December 27 saw the opening of a 3m x 2.5m wall bay with Ever Rich DFS at the fully renovated Taipei Song Shan (Songsang) International Airport, Taiwan.  Located within the new Fashion Avenue, Furla sits alongside other leading brands such as Adidas, Nike, La Coste, Kipling, Piquadro, Swiss Military Hanowa & Samsonite. Initially opening with the Autumn Winter 2011 collection, Spring Summer 12 will be on offer early in the New Year.  ‘This is a fabulous location for Furla,’ continues Munday. ‘ With over 30 daily flights to Japan Haneda airport and various airports in China including Shanghai Hongqiao, Pudong, Wuhan, Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Tianjin, Xiamen, Chengdu and Chongqing, this is another great opportunity for us to develop our business with visitors to and from China.’ 

Meanwhile, with the Orlando show just around the corner – where Furla is exhibiting for the first time (booth 2021) – Gerry Munday is delighted to announce two summer openings at Las Vegas Airport in T3 with The Nuance Group for a 15 sq m shop in shop, and a 12 sq m zone at the Senses Duty Free downtown Galleria in San Domingo, Dominican Republic.

 ‘We are delighted to be going to the IAADFS show as a first time exhibitor with listings in the Americas already confirmed,’ says Munday. ‘We are very confident of the potential for Furla in The Americas travel retail and this new business makes us even more upbeat about the brand’s future. In Orlando we will be introducing the Autumn Winter 12 Collection which really is fantastic, and look forward to welcoming buyers to our booth during the show. ‘

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. Email: row@essentialcommunications.org                         January 2012