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BREAKING NEWS
The South American Duty Free Association – ASUTIL – today announced its new Board of Directors for 2024-2026.
Enrique Urioste, President & CEO Latam & Carib at Avolta (formerly Dufry), has been elected President of the ASUTIL Board. Gustavo Fagundes, CEO – Dufry Brasil, has been elected Vice President and Marcelo Montico, CEO – Neutral by Luryx, is Treasurer.
The Directors are: Martín Laffitte, Director- Bernabel Trading S.A.; Gandhi Abdullah – Director- Siñeriz; Fabrizio Belo – Country General Manager – Dufry Uruguay; and Danny Yohoros, CEO & President, Top Brands International.
The new Board was announced by Carlos Loaiza Keel, Secretary General.
The 2024 ASUTIL Conference will take place June 19 -20 in Bogotá, Colombia. The Conference will once again be managed by TFWA. Stay tuned for more information.
This week’s jam-packed issue of TMI focuses on the opening of a slew of exciting, innovative new retail concepts, renovations and airport activations throughout North America.
The excitement at the point of sale is extremely timely as travel numbers continue to surge (see NTTO story on page 2) with U.S. travelers the largest group traveling internationally – (page 2). Moreover, global shoppers are increasingly purchase on impulse, according to the latest Duty Free World Council Q3 KPI Monitor (page 1), making instore excitement ever more important.
Delta Air Lines has added a whole new meaning to “window shopping,” with the opening of an innovative Window Seat Shop at JFK T4. The curated pop-up experience carries unique gift items from destinations across Delta’s global network – and purchases—which can also be made online. Page 3.
Moving over to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which operates MSP, and Delta Air Lines, have begun work on a $242 million Airport Modernization Program at Terminal 1. This is the single largest interior renovation of concourses and passenger gate areas at MSP, which is Delta’s second largest hub airport. Page 3.
Colorful. Impactful. Disruptive. These are some of the words used to describe the traffic-stopping month-long Recuerdo Mezcal activation at JFK Terminal 4 with DFS Group. Pictures and story on page 4.
WH Smith North America continues its ambitious expansion across this region, and has opened six new retail concepts at Newark International Airport Terminal A, including its first sports-themed store, called Play the Field. Page 4.
HMSHost—an Avolta company – has opened a new bar at Memphis International Airport that specializes in the city’s craft beverage scene. Page 5.
SPIRITS AT THE POINT OF SALE
As American whisky continues to experience rapid growth, Beam Suntory has launched a limited edition Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged Bourbon at DFS stores in New York JFK and LAX airports, before it debuts next month in Sydney, Australia. The premium new offering—which will become an annual release – is designed “to meet high expectations” of international travelers. Page 6.
Brown-Forman has announced it is selling its Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards to premier wine group The Duckhorn Portfolio. In exchange, Brown-Forman will receive approximately 21.5% ownership in the Duckhorn Portfolio and US$50 million. More details on page 6.
BEAUTY AT THE POINT OF SALE
YSL takes over Travel Retail Americas with avant-première of masculine fragrance MYSELF. From New York to Sao Paulo, the activation is being featured in 135 animation spaces throughout the Americas. Page 7.
Duty Free Americas rolls out immersive fragrance “Red Carpet” activations – from Miami to Panama, Atlanta to Punta Cana, DFA has partnered with top beauty houses to create immersive, experiential pop-ups and activations. See full story on page 8.
TOBACCO AT THE POINT OF SALE
International Shoppes and Otis McAllister, in partnership with General Cigar Company, celebrated the opening of a new Cohiba cigar humidor in the IS store in Terminal 1 at JFK International Airport last week. The 12-foot walk up humidor will also be used to merchandise other brands besides Cohiba. See more details on page 9.
CRUISE
The Port of Seattle has closed out its record-setting 2023 cruise season, as it continues to lead the way in sustainability. See more on page 5.
Disney Cruise Line celebrates the opening of its new cruise terminal in Port Everglades. The opening marks Disney Cruise Line’s second year-round homeport in Florida. Page 5.
P&O Cruises introduces jewelry by Barbados designer onboard Arvia for the Caribbean season. Page 5.
