Rita Greenwood to depart as Managing Director William Grant & Sons Global Travel Retail in internal move

 

Rita Greenwood will be moving on from her current position as Managing Director Global Travel Retail at William Grant & Sons in the New Year to take on a newly created role at the family owned distillers as Managing Director for Developed European markets.

Greenwood joined the GTR division in January 2008 and has been instrumental in driving forward the rejuvenation of the William Grant business in Global Travel. Her strong commercial focus and relentless drive for innovation, gifting and the creation of GTR exclusive ranges has seen a transformation in the business under her tenure and she moves on with her reputation for honesty, integrity and never missing a budget enhanced.

“I am extremely excited to be taking on this new role within William Grant’s but equally sad to be leaving the dynamic world of Global Travel Retail, in particular some of the fantastic people that I have been able to work with over the last few years” says Greenwood. “The business will continue to report as an integrated global business unit into the Chief Marketing Officer (Maurice Doyle) given its strategic importance as a premium shop window and I am sure that the team will continue to move from strength to strength.” 

Maurice Doyle adds, “I would like to personally thank Rita for her outstanding leadership of the William Grant & Sons Global Travel Retail team. She had led a stepchange in brand and financial performance and has developed a very strong team. She has laid a great foundation for a new Managing Director to build on. We remain fully committed to Global Travel Retail as a channel. It has become an integral part of our business and we have ambitious growth plans for the future”

Greenwood will continue in her role until a replacement is found with an announcement expected to be made in the first Quarter of the New Year.

TFWA RE-ELECTS JUUL-MORTENSEN TO PRESIDENCY AFTER RECORD-BREAKING YEAR

 

TFWA is very pleased to announce that Erik Juul-Mortensen, one of the founding members of the Association, has been re-elected to the Presidency as the Association enters a landmark year.

Mr Juul-Mortensen’s fifteenth term of office will coincide with the 30^th anniversary of the Association which was set up by a handful of brand-owners on a not-for-profit basis in 1984. Its motto ‘by the trade, for the trade’ remains a guiding principle of the Association today.

Mr Juul-Mortensen has been a member of the TFWA Management Committee throughout its existence. He was elected to the Board in 1986, serving as Vice President Marketing & Communication for ten years with a further year as VP Special Projects. He was elected President in September 1999.

The Presidential election took place at a meeting of the Management Committee on 6^th December in Madrid at which the events organised by TFWA during the past year were reviewed and assessed.

2013 has been an extraordinary year for the Association, with the successful launch of the first industry association event in China and record attendances in terms of exhibitors and visitors at both of the TFWA exhibition and conference events.

In March, over 370 visitors from 200 duty free and travel retail companies attended the inaugural China’s Century Industry Conference, organised in Beijing by TFWA in partnership with APTRA, which was hailed by delegates as a benchmark for the industry.

Two months later, TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference attracted a record 2,452 visitors from over 1,000 companies and 253 exhibiting brand-owners, more than ever before, to the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Center in Singapore, a new and evidently very popular venue.

The annual TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, confirming its status as the most important event in the global duty free and travel retail industry calendar, welcomed a record 6,303 trade visitors from nearly 3,000 companies and 470 exhibiting companies to the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France in October.

At their meeting this month, the Board and Management Committee of TFWA also studied plans for the forthcoming events in 2014: TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore from 11^th to 15^th May and the 30^th anniversary edition of TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes from 26^th to 31^st October 2014.

Following the successful 2013 MEADFA Conference in Doha, TFWA has won the contract to organise the MEADFA Conferences in 2014 and 2015 on behalf of the Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association.

Plans are in hand also for a second TFWA & APTRA Industry Conference on China which will take place in March 2015.

This year TFWA has continued its extensive Research Programme on behalf of its members and has extended its targeted charitable programme through TFWA Care which under the motto ‘Good things only happen if we make them happen’ supports charities and initiatives for those who are less fortunate.

Finally, this year TFWA revealed its commitment to the development of a new global duty free and travel retail umbrella organisation, the Duty Free World Council which has received the full support and backing of all regional industry trade associations and which will be launched officially in early 2014.

Further details of TFWA events can be found at www.tfwa.com.

Tech by Travel Blue gets thumbs up in Cannes

 

Travel Blue, a world leader in travel accessories, unveiled TECH by Travel Blue - a completely new range of ‘Connect and Charge’ products - at TFWA World Exhibition this year. The product selection includes adaptors, USB chargers, headphones, speakers and cables.

“This isn’t just a travel retail exclusive, but a world launch exclusive,” says Jonathan Smith, Director of Travel Retail. “We had very positive responses to all of our ranges at TFWA World Exhibition. This was our fifth year in Cannes and our business has doubled year-on-year. We are one of the few specialist global travel accessories companies working in the industry.”

The attraction of TECH is its appeal to world travellers looking for connectivity through USB and dual USB. The new products offer a range of power banks which, along with Travel Blue’s existing adaptors, provide all the necessary juice for travellers to keep connected wherever they are using ‘grounded’ or ‘earthed’ devices.

Within the TECH by Travel Blue range is the Power Anywhere set, which features a USB Home Charger, Car Charger, Power Charger and connecting cable, all in one handy pack retailing in airports and onboard for around £49.90. The innovative Twist & Slide worldwide travel adaptor enables travellers to use their appliances safely in over 150 countries. With two built-in USB sockets, travellers can not only connect their plug to the local socket, but also charge two additional appliances simultaneously.

“We wanted to come up with a range that was all-encompassing, easy to select and buy, and straightforward, yet at the same time met all the demands and standards of the modern day traveller,” explained Smith. “The Power Bank range can offer emergency charging for phones, tablets and laptops without being connected to the mains.” The range retails from approximately €25.

Travel Blue believes its new range will appeal to impulse buyers and has invested heavily in displays, which are designed to look attractive but take up little room. “We expect these products to be selling in big volumes,” adds Smith.

NITR’s Perfect Store™ drives sales and ATV in industry first F&B category project with P&O Ferries

Nestlé International Travel Retail (NITR) and P&O Ferries have come together in an industry first Food & Beverage (F&B) category project centred on leveraging the principles of Perfect Store™ within F&B outlets on board nominated P&O vessels. The primary objective was to increase Average Transaction Value (ATV), by acting upon the impulsive nature of Confectionery.

As a first stage of the category process a comprehensive market visit was undertaken by NITR and P&O personnel to get a better understanding of the shopper profile, mission and business dynamics. Paul Wheeler, NITR Category Executive explained: ‘It was clear that F&B outlets around the vessels are a key source of revenue and these areas were not fully exploited.’

Following the market visit and insights gained, a customised Perfect Store™ framework was prepared which centred on having the right range aligned to shopper profile and mission for each of the F&B outlets on-board: Family Lounge, Bar Area, and Food Court & Truckers Lounge. To support this tailored confectionery range, Point of Sale (POS) material was implemented to merchandise the range at different touch points in the shopper journey within the F&B outlet.

In addition to the above, NITR implemented its Cash Till Point (CTP) strategy to optimise the basket size and in turn increase the ATV at this last point of purchase in the shopper journey. The strategy is based on the Right Range, at the Right Price with the Right Communication with the Right Display.

P&O Confectionery Buyer Charlotte Barton commented: ‘Already, 10 weeks since going live, we have seen some great results. P&O’s impulse confectionery unit sales have grown by +95% vs the same period last year. Sales value has increased by +44%. Average Transaction Value has also grown in all Food & Beverage sites on board the vessels.’ P&O is now keen to roll out this initiative to its other vessels that operate between the Hull to Rotterdam/Brugges route and the Irish Sea ferries.

Graham Baulch, NITR Business Manager, added: ‘This is another great example of how Perfect Store™ has delivered on its promise to add and create category value with customised solutions centred on a better understanding of the shopper, their needs and associated journey.’

• Picture were taken onboard the Spirit of France

Press enquiries and images: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. Tel: (44) (0) 208 405 8019. Email: row@essentialcommunications.org

Customer enquiries: Alan Brennan, Nestlé International Travel Retail

Email: alan.brennan@nestle.com

December 2013

Scorpio Worldwide adds Victoria’s Secret to inflight portfolio

 Victoria’s Secret, leading specialist retailer of Beauty & Lingerie, in partnership with Scorpio Worldwide, has announced that some of its best selling items will be available in the In-flight market targeting a variety of airlines in Europe, Middle East and Africa, starting Spring 2014.

Travelers will find prestige fragrances such as the Award-winning Victoria’s Secret Bombshell (50ml EDP) and Sexy Little Things Noir Tease (50ml EDP). Also offered is the most loved VS Fantasies body care collection including Love Spell and Pure Seduction Fragrance Mist (250ml) and Body Lotion (250m). Travel-ready items such as the Very Voluptuous Lip Plump, Jetsetter Portable Makeup Palette and Rockin’ Body Shimmer are also available to charm girls on the go.

Says Scorpio Worldwide Sales and Marketing Director Richard Kennedy: ‘We’re delighted to be working with Victoria’s Secret for inflight sales. The brand has established a significant footprint in travel retail with its airport stores worldwide and the formula clearly works.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About Victoria’s Secret

As a business of L Brands (NYSE:LB), Victoria's Secret is the leading specialty retailer of lingerie and beauty products. The brand is known for its modern, fashion-inspired lingerie collections, prestige fragrances and cosmetics, celebrated supermodels and world-famous runway shows. With more than 1,000 lingerie and beauty stores, an iconic catalogue and the VictoriasSecret.com online store, customers can shop the brand anywhere, anytime.

About Scorpio Worldwide Founded in 1997, Scorpio Worldwide is a leading and award winning specialist in the global travel retail industry. The company provides a 360 degree sales, marketing and distribution service for airlines, airports, duty free shopping groups, ferries and cruise liners. Its products include major brands in fragrance, cosmetics, watches, jewellery, accessories, well-being, gadgets and other travel goods.Scorpio is a family based business and an independently managed company within the Gebr Heinemann Group, one of the largest operators and distributors within the global travel retail market.

Furla gets personal in Cambodia

 Furla continues its brand expansion in travel retail with a new 10m2 personalised corner with Dufry at Phnom Penh Airport, Cambodia. The store is opened on the 3^rd of December.

The new store will be in line with Furla's new store concept and will be opening with the AW13 collection.

‘This is our first venture into Cambodia, which is rapidly developing as a tourist market,’ says Furla Global Travel Retail Director Gerry Munday. ‘It continues our expansion throughout South East Asia and I am confident that Dufry will do a great job for us in Phnom Penh.’

Notes to editors

Last year Furla reported a turnover of €212 million, representing an 18% increase from 2011. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization reached 15%, equal to €32 million. Furthermore, in the same period, Furla's travel retail business has increased by 93%.

Today Furla is present in 91 countries with five subsidiaries in France, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and the United States. 80% of distribution is retail, with 328 mono-brand stores (153 Furla boutiques and 175 authorised retailers), and 20% via wholesale through 1290 select multi-brand and department stores.

Furla refurbishes in Milan

In line with the brand's new concept store design, Furla has refurbished its 18m2 boutique at Milan Linate Airport, operated with Dufrital. The refurbishment took place on the 8^th of December.

The new look interprets Italian lifestyle in a contemporary way, together with creative spirit, refined design and timeless elegance. The look draws inspiration from the architectural details of the beautifully restored 18th century Villa in Bologna -headquarter of the brand- where tradition fuses contemporary design.

The new concept store draws inspiration from the architectural details of the beautifully restored 18th century Furla Villa in Bologna. Elements such as the architraves of the doors, the profiles and the frames of the walls and of the ceilings have been adopted for retail, using natural tones with pastel colours. Materials used include Italian travertine marble, rosewood, glass and metals.

Says Gerry Munday, Furla Global Travel Retail Director: ‘This refurbishment is inline with Furla’s policy to introduce the new concept store design wherever possible, enabling airport retail to reflect the same high quality brand essence that is the trade mark of Furla in the leading fashion capitals of the world.’

Notes to editors

Last year Furla reported a turnover of €212 million, representing an 18% increase from 2011. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization reached 15%, equal to €32 million. Furthermore, in the same period, Furla's travel retail business has increased by 93%.

Today Furla is present in 91 countries with five subsidiaries in France, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and the United States. 80% of distribution is retail, with 328 mono-brand stores (153 Furla boutiques and 175 authorised retailers), and 20% via wholesale through 1290 select multi-brand and department stores.

Furla arrives at Vienna International Airport

 Furla is pleased to announce the opening of a new boutique at The Plaza in Vienna International Airport.

The 30m2 boutique will open with Furla's SS14 collection on the 1^st of December in partnership with airport operator Jonak.

“It has been a very busy year for Furla,” says Gerry Munday, Global Travel Retail Director. “We recently opened a 75m2 store at Shenzhen Airport and will continue to open new locations globally throughout the rest of this year and next. This store is a fabulous size for Furla as it enables us to really portray the brand in the correct way.”

The new Furla Boutique is in line with the brand’s concept store design that interprets Italian lifestyle in a contemporary way, together with creative spirit, refined design and timeless elegance. The look draws inspiration from the architectural details of the beautifully restored 18th century Villa in Bologna -headquarter of the brand- where tradition fuses contemporary design.

Furla continues China expansion with new store at Shenzhen Airport

Furla is further expanding its travel retail presence in China, opening a new location with LS Travel Retail at Shenzhen Domestic Airport with a 75sqm store opening on the 28^th of November.

Says Gerry Munday, Global Travel Retail Director: “We are expanding Furla's presence in travel retail through selective boutiques and shop-in shops. Asia is a particularly important market for us – we recently opened a new location at Changi T2 with LS Travel Retail - and within the region China is most definitely a shining light. This new outlet at Shenzhen is a great location for Furla to increase its exposure in the correct way for the brand. We are placed alongside some really top quality fashion brands; LS Travel Retail has once again put together a stunning fashion offer for travellers.’

Notes to editors

Last year Furla reported a turnover of €212 million, representing an 18% increase from 2011. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization reached 15%, equal to €32 million. Furthermore, in the same period, Furla's travel retail business has increased by 93%.

Today Furla is present in 91 countries with five subsidiaries in France, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and the United States. 80% of distribution is retail, with 328 mono-brand stores (153 Furla boutiques and 175 authorised retailers), and 20% via wholesale through 1290 select multi-brand and department stores.

Harding Retail names James Prescott as Buying and Merchandising Director

Harding Retail is delighted to announce that James Prescott will be joining as its new Buying and Merchandising Director. Currently General Manager Operations Middle East with Aer Rianta International, James will join Harding Retail at the beginning of March 2014 and will relocate from Bahrain where he has been based since 2008.

James has enjoyed an extensive career in travel retail, originally working at Allders before moving to World Duty Free as Head of Category – Liquor, Tobacco, Food, Tax Free and Luxury Goods. In 2006 he joined Whyte & Mackay as Global Travel Retail Director before moving to his position with ARI-ME whose turnover is close to $1bn.

Says James Prescott: “After six great years in the Middle East, it was going to take something really special to pull me away, but as soon as I spoke to Neil, Harold and the team at Harding Retail it was clear that the scale of ambition and opportunity within the business, combined with their truly entrepreneurial spirit was too good an opportunity to resist. I am very excited about working with the team, and helping turn that ambition and opportunity into reality.”

“James was the stand out candidate from a very strong shortlist, with a very impressive background and the level of commitment and drive that we require here at Harding Retail,” adds Managing Director Harding Retail, Harold Gittelmon. “James is joining Harding Retail at a very exciting time for the company. Alongside our new name and branding, we’re moving towards a much more consumer-focussed retail approach – where the customer is at the centre of everything we do. With his deep understanding of brands and experience from two of the world’s most dynamic travel retailers, James could not be a better choice for the future development of our business.”

Travel Blue partners with Insight Travel Retail Consultants

Travel Blue is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Insight Travel Retail Consultants Ltd, the new company established by Garry Stoner.  Stoner will be working with Travel Blue to support  its distribution strategy within the Travel Retail sector.

'With the launch of TECH by Travel Blue at the Tax Free World Exhibition last month and the very positive reaction by the trade for the range, we needed more support in looking after our established and potential new customers,' says Travel Blue Director of Travel Retail Jonathan Smith.

TECH by Travel Blue is designed to meet every possible solution to ‘Connect and Charge travellers’ USB devices worldwide, with a product selection that includes Adaptors, USB Chargers, Headphones, Speakers and Cables.

Adds Smith:  “I have known Garry for over 20 years and I am delighted we have secured his company's services. With Garry’s extensive experience and well-established contacts in this market sector, we are assured of continued success and increased distribution for the Travel Blue range and particularly our new TECH offer.”

Garry Stoner comments: “I am delighted to have secured such a strong brand within travel retail as  the first partner for Insight Travel Retail Consultants. I will be working closely with Jonathan to build distribution for the brand.”

SUCCESSFUL CANNES FOR TYKO AS HIPPIE CHIC CONTINUES TO BREAK SALES RECORDS

Following a hugely successful TFWA World Exhibition this year, TYKO has increased its inflight listings by 10% for key watch and accessory brands Breo, Hippie Chic and recently added One Tribe. Says Director Global Travel Retail Martin Lovatt: ‘We had an extremely busy week in Cannes this year with a 50% increase in appointments compared to 2012. We received very positive feedback on our new products and collections for 2014 and the general consensus was that performance onboard is ahead of buyers’ expectations – which is very encouraging.’

Reaction to the company’s collections for ground-stores was equally encouraging, adds Lovatt, with both current and new clients looking to expand distribution, primarily for Breo. ‘Given the phenomenal interest in Breo for ground stores, Tyko Travel Retail is now developing a new concept for airport and ferry/cruise ships for Breo which will both add value to any existing watch offer whilst significantly increasing the Breo brand presence,’ says Lovatt. Details will be announced very soon.

As a direct result of Cannes, new listings have been secured within Europe, Asia Pacific and North and South America. ‘We actually expect our listings business overall to have increased 30% by the year end with further new business being finalised early next year,’ continues Lovatt. ‘The reception to our new Tyko Travel Retail multi-brand strategy was also very well received,’ he adds. ‘Our aim is to offer a variety of different brands that fit all price and quality gaps with a choice ranging from current fashion trends to lifestyle time pieces.’

One of the company’s most successful brands this year has been Hippie Chic, with over 500,000 units sold inflight since its introduction in March 2013. Regularly a number one in-category seller, Hippie Chic is the perfect fashion accessory – quirky and feminine with a bohemian vibe. Combining vintage face designs with cord bracelets and leather straps adorned with wooden beads and charms which compliment the ‘stacking’ trend, Hippie Chic’s retail price point of around £12 has proved perfect for impulse sales. .

‘Hippie Chic has sold beyond all expectations – it really is the success story of 2013, breaking all sales records for the company,’ continues Lovatt. ‘We’re now introducing new designs for 2014 and are confident that the brand will continue to outperform wherever it is listed.’

Garry Stoner launches Insight Travel Retail Consultants

Well known industry executive, Garry Stoner has set up a new specialist consultancy: Insight Travel Retail Consultants. Based in the UK, Insight Travel Retail Consultants Ltd aims to bring new brands into the sector and assist those already working in the industry to improve performance.

With 25 years’ industry knowledge and experience, including senior management roles at Russ Berrie and more recently leading distributor Scorpio Worldwide, Stoner ‘s new business has got off to an excellent start.

He comments: “I am delighted to report that we have just signed our first major international brand which will be announced shortly, plus we are in final discussions with two more. Despite being only early days I am delighted with the way things have gone so far.”