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With the TFWA World Exhibition just a few days away, we wish all our colleagues attending a safe and successful trip. As the premier event in the travel retail/duty free industry, suppliers and operators from throughout the world gather in Cannes to take stock of what is coming in the year ahead – both in new merchandise and information. And the news keeps pouring in.
Miami-based DFASS Group, already the leading inflight concessionaire in the world and a growing presence as an airport retailer, broke new ground this past week with the announcement that it has been awarded the duty free concession at the International Cruise Terminal in Cozumel, Mexico – one of the most important cruise ports in the Americas. Read more details on page 1.
The North American cruise market — traditionally the dominant force in the industry – may soon be surpassed by China, however, which is forecast to become the world’s largest cruise market by 2020. Industry estimates of the Asian cruise market range from 4 to 8 million people by the end of this decade. And the big three cruise companies – Carnival Corp., Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean – have all set their sights on getting a part of this increasingly important market. See the latest developments on their plans on page 3.
In South America, the $70 million mega Melancia Mall in the Uruguayan border town of Rivera will have its official opening at the end of this month – triumphing over construction delays, poor weather and a down economic cycle. Grupo Wisa’s La Riviera and travel retail operator Neutral each have a 4,000 sqm anchor store in the mall. The news isn’t quite as good for Grupo Wisa in Guatemala, where the government has closed its airport stores after a long simmering dispute. John Gallagher reports on page 3.
Caribbean pride was in full swing at the 2015 Tairo International Beauty Seminar, which took place at the Hard Rock Resort at the end of September. More than 100 of the top-performing Beauty Advisors from throughout the Caribbean and Duty Free Mexico attended the information-packed two-day meeting, the highlight of which was a 4-island “Rock Off” competition staged by the retailers from Aruba, Curacao, the Bahamas and Cancun. See story on page 2.
Supply Side.
Just in time to be unveiled in Cannes, Patrón Tequila has partnered with French luxury house Lalique to introduce a first-of-its kind exclusive collaboration of 500 very special limited edition bottles filled with the oldest and rarest Patrón tequilas. More details on Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1 on page 1.
Global beauty company Revlon is also debuting two special new products in Cannes. Not only is the company showing LOVE IS ON Eau de Toilette, its first new fragrance launch in more than ten years, but it will highlight the recently launched Revlon Professional UNIQONE hair care products, which will be available only in hair salons and travel retail. Page 5.
Companies looking to enter travel retail could benefit from the services of Adda Rodriguez‘s new The 7c Group consultancy. The name represents the seven continents of the world and the company’s objective is to bring all the players together, says Rodriguez. She will be in Cannes to tell interested parties how she can help build their business. See page 1.
