Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 16 No. 34

The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this post as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click on this link.

This week’s airport in the news is Pittsburgh International, the original home of North American airport concessions developer AIRMALL USA. On Sept. 28, AIRMALL and PIT celebrated the completion of a $10-million renovation to the airport’s Central Core, the most significant overhaul of the concessions program since the airport opened in 1992. Developed under agreement with Italian travel retailer Airest Collezioni, the renovation has transformed the Core into a hub of high fashion and accessories for travelers. See details on page 1.

In more airport retail, UK-inspired jewelry brand Metalsmiths Sterling has been awarded its first West Coast airport store in the U.S. at Portland’s Concourse C. Full story and where the luxury jewelry will be found next on page 4.

SECURITY. TSA announced today that five U.S. airports will begin screening travelers coming from Ebola-stricken countries in West Africa. Page 1.

AT THE POINT OF SALE. Hershey, in partnership with Dufry, staged a dynamic window display for its No. 1 brand Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups at Newark Liberty International Airport’s C1 store, with a strong tie-in with nearby New York City. See page 2.

IN THE BOARDROOM. Coty offers to buy Bourjois Cosmetics from Chanel in an all-stock deal worth $239 million. Page 2.

PEOPLE. Starboard Cruise Services names seasoned retail executive Patrick Gates as its new chief merchandising officer. Page 3.

SUPPLY SIDE. Patrón Spirits adds fire to XO Cafe with new product intro. International Brand Builders (IBBI) expands its brand portfolio and adds two respected experts to help manage the growing business. Page 3.

IN THE REGION. The 21st annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference & Trade Show is in full swing this week in St. Maarten, attracting some 1,000 cruise tourism stakeholders. Read more on page 4.

WiTr (note the new “r” in our name, Women in Travel Retail). WiTr’s annual TFWA World Exhibition meeting & fund-raiser will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 5:30-7:00 pm on level 1 in front of the newly located Press Centre, near the Business Centre and Hotels Desk at the Palais des Festivals. All women in the duty free and travel retail industry are welcome to join us.

This year Women in Travel Retail is working with a charity operating in Sierra Leone to raise funds to buy a truck to transport building materials for a children’s home, school and a medical center, saving the charity €46,000 in costs. The vehicle will provide a steady stream of income for the home, school and clinic once completed as ‘All As One’ will hire it out at commercial rates.

Women in Travel Retail invites all exhibitors and visitors to enter the draw to win fabulous prizes. Each business card entry raises €10 (three for €20). Donations for the raffle are always needed. Please deliver to the Furla stand (Bay Village Bay 15) by 1500 on Tuesday, October 28th.