World Duty Free Group (WDFG) has opened its first German stores at Düsseldorf Airport, with four duty free shops and two concept stores covering a total of 50,224ft² across Terminals A, B and C.
The company was awarded a 10-year concession contract at the airport in 2012 to operate the new stores and it has worked in close partnership with Düsseldorf Airport to create a unique environment that offers an outstanding product choice combined with personalized customer service. The stores are branded Düsseldorf Duty Free and offer a selection of national and regional specialties alongside many widely recognized international brands.
Rafael Arias Salgado, chairman of WDFG S.A., commented, “We are very proud to operate here in the capital of one of the regions which drives Europe. Today, we want to highlight a very important aspect of our modern economy – and one on which we are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Düsseldorf Airport – innovation. Innovation is a constant mantra at WDFG and we are constantly analyzing our own commercial practices and those at the forefront of retailing across the globe, in order to deliver an exciting in-store experience and exceptional service to our customers. And there is no doubt that our Düsseldorf Duty Free stores are a great example of this.”
“In WDFG, we have found a strong partner in the travel retail sector with the expertise that helps bring a new impetus to our airport stores. Their skill and ability to tailor the retail offer allows us to adjust the range of products on offer, including regional specialties from the Düsseldorf area. The exclusive shopping environment of the stores and the selection of products are very welcome among our passengers. We are delighted to be the first German airport where WDFG, as one of the largest airport retailers, is operating,” said Thomas Schnalke, CEO of Düsseldorf Airport.
WDFG has created a specialized area, The Taste of Germany, where travelers can find a wide range of traditional, authentic and premium German products and souvenirs, ranging from well known Riesling wines, to an extensive range of sausages and cheeses, as well as recognized brands such as Killepitsch, Jägermeister and Niederegger
Whether in a regular shop or a walkthrough, passengers will find stores fully equipped with the latest technology, including the travel retailer’s own Contentainment concept that combines innovative, experiential in-store events with digital marketing content to really engage customer interest and give them an exciting and ever-changing in-store experience.