Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 19 No. 42

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

 

PAGE ONE. Dufry Group’s first half 2018 earnings figures are in and the giant travel retailer reports a remarkable increase in earnings and profitability. EBITDA reached a record CHF 464.1 million, up 12.9% versus the same period last year and the margin expanded by 50 basis points.

 

Both free cash flow and equity free cash flow were the strongest ever for a first semester, said the company, reaching CHF 330.2 million versus 127.6 million in H1 2017 and CHF 222.2 million versus CHF 16.5 million, respectively. The company also confirms a strong slate of new openings and renovations.
AT THE POINT OF SALE WITH DFS
 
This week’s issue presents a special focus on DFS Group, and the wide range of engaging and innovative activities the company is doing with its supplier partners at the point of sale all over the world.
At New York’s JFK International Airport, DFS and Hershey have created a fun NYC-themed pop-up store to T4. Page 3.
At Los Angeles Tom Brady International Terminal, DFS has teamed up with Givenchy Fragrances & Beauty to offer passengers an elegant pop-up dedicated to Le Rouge Liquide. Page 3.
DFS Group is also holding its fifth annual First Class Beauty campaign this month in 24 DFS and T Galleria by DFS stores across 17 destinations (running through September in the DFS stores in the Americas). More than 40 leading brands are participating in the event. Page 4.
OMG!* Also at JFK Terminal 4, DFS and William Grant & Sons have staged their first large-scale Monkey Shoulder activation in US travel retail (with smaller versions taking place in LAX and SFO). Originally scheduled to run throughout May and June, the event has been so successful it is now extended throughout July and August as well. See full details on page 5. (*a special cocktail being offered during the activation made of Orange/Monkey Shoulder/Ginger.) Page 5.
In more DFS news, the retailer is re-opening the T Galleria by DFS in Auckland, New Zealand, following a year-long renovation, with a unique event partnering with New Zealand Fashion Week. Full story on page 4.
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
 
Brown-Forman Global Travel Retail unveiled its travel retail exclusive Jack Daniel’s Bottled In Bond Tennessee Whiskey for a group of international and New York-based media at the famed Fraunces Tavern on August 1, and TMI was on hand to hear Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett describe the history behind the newest permanent line extension in the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands. Page 2.
PEOPLE/COMPANY NEWS
 
APTRA – the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association – has begun its search for a new executive officer to replace Michael Barratt who announced his resignation last month. Interested in pursuing the position? See page 5 for more information.
Paradies Lagardère has been awarded two new travel essential locations at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Page 5.
Patrón Global CMO Lee Applbaum will now also be handling Grey Goose.
Confectionery executive Juan Miguel Cabrera announces a new position.
Cruise Lines International Association president and CEO Cindy D’Aoust is stepping at the end of the year. Page 1.