A consortium between Heinemann Asia Pacific and its partner BWC Forwarders has been awarded duty-free and duty-paid retail concessions at Noida International Airport. This marks Heinemann Asia Pacific’s entry into the Indian market. Heinemann will operate the duty-free stores while BWC Forwarders – a Bommidala Group company – will manage domestic retail and international duty-paid retail. The international duty-free outlet will offer premium brands across categories, including premium liquors, tobacco, confectionery, perfumes, cosmetics, fragrances, exquisite chocolates, fashion accessories, r ..read more

Luxury travel retailer DFS Group has opened its store in Hong Kong’s Causeway Bay after an extensive refurbishment.  The redesigned store features 39 additional brands and the first “Beauty Collective,” which showcases a variety of products in lifestyle, skincare, haircare, and technology.  “At DFS, we believe in constantly pushing the boundaries of retail,” said Benjamin Vuchot, chairman and CEO of DFS Group. “With this new and improved store, we’re showcasing our commitment to providing our customers with the most innovative, luxurious, and personalised shopping experience.” The st ..read more

Japanese luggage and bag label Lojel has launched its first flagship in Hong Kong. Located on Fashion Walk in Causeway Bay, the store offers sustainably made carry-essentials made from more than 700 kg of repurposed production waste.  The store’s front is made from sheet-pressed upcycled plastic panels (PP material) developed during manufacturing, recycled PP packaging (yoghurt cups, food containers), and otherwise unusable Lojel manufacturing waste.  The centrepiece, the Lojel logomark installation, is built from recycled PET (rPET) and upcycled plastic panels using modern 3D printi ..read more

Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport saw higher footfall and sales in the 2023-24 fiscal year, coinciding with the airport’s fifth anniversary. Footfall rose 26 per cent, with 30 per cent of the visitors coming from overseas – the largest number from China, Malaysia, Taiwan, the US and Indonesia. Overall sales soared 20 per cent. “As Jewel celebrates five years of creating a sparkling experience for its visitors, we continue to stay true to our commitment to deliver world-class visitor experiences with our attractions, retail and dining offerings,” Jewel Changi Airport Development CEO James Fong s ..read more

Tumi, the renowned international travel and lifestyle brand, has made waves with the unveiling of its latest women’s handbag collection, Asra.  This contemporary line of handbags is designed to cater to the needs of the modern woman, seamlessly blending style and functionality to accompany her on all her journeys.  The introduction of Asra marks a significant step forward for Tumi in the women’s fashion space, solidifying its position as a leader in luxury essentials. Adding to the excitement is the announcement of its newest global brand ambassador, Mun Ka Young, an esteemed South K ..read more

In the iconic Suntec City Tower in Singapore, Hong Kong-listed luggage brand Samsonite is putting sustainability right at the heart of its mission. The renowned name in travel luggage and lifestyle bags unveiled its latest retail store as part of its broader effort to prioritise environmental stewardship and responsible consumerism. Since the launch of its global sustainability strategy, “Our Responsible Journey,” in 2020, Samsonite has sought to weave sustainability into every aspect of its operations.  From the materials used in crafting its signature luggage to the engagement of its pe ..read more

The evolution of once seemingly functional items, such as luggage, shoes and the humble water bottle, into status symbols, has led particular brands to develop cult followings and created opportunities for new products and services that cater to these consumer obsessions. The #airportoutfit has amassed over 690.3 million views in over 29,800 posts on TikTok, which speaks to the size of the social media trend of documenting the aesthetics of everyday items.  Beyond that, it speaks to the size of the market for add-on products and services, from specialised brushes and cleaning products for ..read more

Premium luggage brand Rimowa has appointed the ‘King of Mandopop’ Jay Chou as its new global ambassador.  According to the brand, Jay Chou is set to encourage tourists worldwide to embark on life-changing adventures via campaigns.  “Jay Chou not only embodies all these values but is someone who we admire for his global impact as an artist. It’s an honour to welcome him as a Rimowa global ambassador,” said CEO Hugues Bonnet-Masimbert.  Last September, the company announced new partnerships with Blackpink’s Rose, Formula One champion Sir Lewis Hamilton, and French football player ..read more

As Australia’s Jetstar approaches its 20th birthday, it has unveiled a new look to enter its next decade of business. The airline worked with Australian fashion brand Ginger & Smart to encapsulate its vision for the next 20 years in a collection of new uniforms for its air and ground crews. It’s not foreign for airlines to tap prominent local designers to head up their uniform redesigns; Vivienne Westwood for Virgin Atlantic, Christian Lacroix for Air France, Emilio Pucci and Roy Halston for Braniff Airlines. Jetstar, the younger sibling to Qantas, has created a culture of diversity, colla ..read more

Sol de Janeiro, the Brazilian-inspired and L’Occitane-owned beauty brand, has launched a pop-up store at Kuala Lumpur International Airport until the end of this month. Located in Terminal 2’s International Departures area, the store is similar to one opened at Sydney Airport last year. Its purpose is to catch the eye of passengers and showcase key products. A “Wishing Wall” is an interactive space where customers can take a photo and share it on social media to redeem gifts from the brand. “We are excited to see travellers interact with the pop-up, embrace their uniqueness and become a part o ..read more