Global travel retailer Lagardère AWPL is set to land at Western Sydney International Airport, ahead of its scheduled opening in October this year.
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) is set to welcome one of the world’s largest travel retailers to Sydney’s new 24-hour gateway that will deliver an exceptional shopping experience for future passengers and visitors. In a significant show of confidence in Australia’s new 24-hour international gateway, Lagardère AWPL (part of Lagardère Travel Retail), one of the top three travel retailers in the world and the largest in the Pacific region, has secured two major contracts to become WSI’s official duty-free and travel essentials partner for the next decade.
WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the major commitment from the global powerhouse will deliver a premium retail experience featuring iconic brands, travel exclusive products, alongside a ‘best of the west’ concept that will showcase the vibrant culture of Western Sydney.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome a retailer of Lagardère AWPL’s calibre to Western Sydney International Airport. Their commitment is a strong vote of confidence in what we’re building here, a game-changing 24-hour airport that reflects and celebrates the community it serves,” he said.
“Most of us love a good browse through duty-free, where travellers are often looking for a great deal on some of their favourite premium products, and then there’s the inevitable dash for an essential item that you perhaps forgot to pack for your travels. Rest assured, we’ll have a terrific retailer to support those last-minute needs for a stress-free journey,”
With around 3,100 square metres of retail space, Lagardère AWPL will operate 11 retail stores, including 1,900 square metres for Duty-Free, 1,200 square metres for Travel Essentials and specialty retail, spanning the international and domestic precincts.
Lagardère Travel Retail CEO Frédéric Chevalier said WSI is one of the most exciting airport projects in the Asia Pacific region.
“Lagardère AWPL is thrilled to have been chosen to operate duty-free and travel essentials at this stunning new gateway to Australia,” he said.
“We’re grateful to WSI for their trust and for the opportunity to create a truly unique retail experience for travellers to Western Sydney.”
Lagardère AWPL CEO Costa Kouros said this collaboration is about building a long-term partnership with WSI and the vibrant community it will soon serve.
“Our aim has always been to create magical moments for everyone, every day, and this partnership gives us the chance to deliver that from the very first passenger experience in a beautiful new airport,” he said.
“Our retail offer will be a showcase not only for the biggest international brands, but also for the best of Australia and New South Wales. We look forward to playing our part in bringing WSI to life by creating a destination that reflects and celebrates the diverse community that is Western Sydney.”
WSI Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Alison Webster said delivering a retail offer tailored to customer needs while ensuring value for money were the top priorities for WSI as it selected this new retail partner.
“In Lagardère AWPL we have secured a partner that truly understands our vision to provide a world-class retail experience that also reflects the local character of Western Sydney,” she said.
Retail fit outs within the WSI terminal will begin over the coming weeks.
WSI is on track to open for domestic and international passenger services by the end of October this year, following the launch of cargo services by the end of July.
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