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As the new year progresses, some major personnel changes are taking place in the travel retail channel.
It is with sadness that we learn that Andreas Fehr is retiring from Mondelez World Travel Retail after 24 years. Andreas was one of the very first people I worked with when I joined the industry and I wish him a very enjoyable and well-deserved retirement! The very capable Jaya Singh – who himself has been with the company for 25 years –will be stepping into Andreas’ shoes, so the transition should be exceedingly smooth. Full story on page 3.
In more personnel changes, Godiva has restructured its Travel Retail division in order to take advantage of opportunities presented in alternative retail channels, and Leen Baeten is returning from the U.S. to Europe to head up the new Channels Department. See page 3 for more changes at Godiva.
The Estée Lauder Companies has tapped two “industry disruptors” for key retail and brand roles, one of whom will be reporting to Olivier Bottrie, Global President, Travel Retail and Retail Development. Details on page 4.
AT THE AIRPORT
In our lead story of the week, ACI reports that global passenger traffic grew above historical averages in 2017, in spite of looming concerns over protectionists and geopolitical tensions. Page 1.
In airport retail news, Fraport USA lands the New York – JFK concession contract at JetBlue’s Terminal 5 – a big win for the former AIRMALL team. Page 2.
Iconic New York toy store FAO Schwarz-which closed in 2015, is back after being acquired by the ThreeSixty Group Inc. The toy brand has announced plans for global expansion, China, and an exclusive agreement with the Hudson Group to open in airports across the U.S. and Canada. Page 2.
SUPPLY SIDE NEWS
With the Summit of the Americas slightly more than a week away, there are many developments taking place.
Rituals Cosmetics has tapped Miami-based Essence Corp. to help it expand into the travel retail markets of the U.S., Canada, LATAM, the Caribbean and the luxury cruise channel. Page 1.
Christian Louboutin and Puig partner for global growth of the iconic shoe maker’s high-end beauty business. Page 4.
Swiss brand Victorinox – maker of the unique “Original Swiss Army Knife,” has signed a three-year contract to supply “multifunctional” amenity kits for SWISS airlines business class passengers. Story on page 5.
Specialist eyewear manufacturer B+D has partnered with International Brand Builders Inc (IBBI) to expand its distribution throughout North America. They will be exhibiting in Orlando at Booth #930.
Buckley London is also returning to the Duty Free & Travel Retail summit of the Americas and will be showing its first ever men’s collection of jewelry, as well as jewelry inspired by the engagement ring given to Meghan Markle by Prince Harry. They are exhibiting at Booth #1131.
