Move by Dick Smith began operating at Sydney Airport today in partnership with German duty free operator Heinemann, Sydney Airport’s new duty free partner.
“Today we commenced operating in several high traffic areas within Sydney Airport, in partnership with Heinemann, the operator of the duty free business, under the ‘Move by Dick Smith’ banner and we look forward to its contribution to the business,” Dick Smith CEO Nick Abboud said in a statement released today with the company’s half year results.
Over the next year Sydney Airport’s duty free stores will be transformed. A refit of five stores – three in departures and two in arrivals – will be completed by January 2016. A final store in arrivals will be open by mid-2016, taking the total to six.
Sydney Airport managing director and CEO Kerrie Mather said the beginning of Heinemann’s operations is great news for the 13 million passengers who travel internationally through Sydney each year.
“Heinemann is the world’s third largest travel retailer and it has the extensive global expertise and buying power to create a new and dynamic retail offer that will be one of the most exciting duty free experiences of any airport globally.
“Some of our fastest growing markets are China, India, Malaysia and Korea and Heinemann will revitalise our duty free offer with brands and concepts that cater to our unique market,” Mather said.
As well as consumer electronics, the stores will trade in duty free staples: perfumes, cosmetics, wines and spirits, confectionary and tobacco products. The stores will also stock premium fashion and accessory brands a large selection of toys and games, local and international delicacies and a local section featuring Australian products.
“We are looking forward to working with Heinemann over the next year to transform the airport’s duty free stores and create a retail experience that draws inspiration from our fantastic city,” Mather said.
Gebr. Heinemann owner Gunnar Heinemann was in Sydney for the launch.
“Sydney Airport is one of the world’s top duty free concessions, and has long been on our list of must-have locations. Our arrival in Sydney means that Gebr. Heinemann is now active on five continents,” he said.
Heinemann Asia Pacific chief executive officer Max Heinemann said Sydney is a well-developed, attractive duty free market.
“Australian travellers are particularly frequent shoppers at arrivals shops, and are especially keen to take advantage of significant savings when compared with domestic prices,” Max Heinemann said.
“Given the ever-increasing number of Asian passengers, and in particular Chinese travellers, we predict strong growth in the Sydney duty free market. We’re going to give passengers a fantastic retail experience with outstanding service and exclusive international brands at attractive prices.”
Heinemann’s Sydney operations will employ a workforce of more than 550 staff, with the company set to invest more than AUD $60 million in its new location.