Ireland's ARI Elevates Retail Experience at Major Portuguese Airports
New Portugal Duty Free Stores Transform Airport Shopping
Aer Rianta International (ARI), the retail arm of Ireland's airport operator, has unveiled a revamped Portugal Duty Free experience after nearly three years of development. This innovative concept sets a new standard for global airport shopping, blending the essence of Portugal's culture, food, artistry, and heritage into a captivating shopping experience.
In early 2022, ARI was selected as the retail partner for Portuguese airport operator ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, a subsidiary of France's Vinci Airports. With control over retail outlets in Portugal's eight main airports amounting to almost 108,000 square feet, ARI introduced the refurbished Portugal Duty Free stores to passengers in June 2022. Now, as the finishing touches are applied, travelers can fully immerse themselves in this unique shopping experience.
The Portugal Duty Free concept delivers an unparalleled sense of place, epitomizing modern Portugal. From a Lisbon #28 tram in the Lisbon Airport store to a vintage Volkswagen California camper van at Faro Airport, these iconic landmarks create Insta-worthy photo opportunities.
To further emphasize the local flavor, the stores boast more than 1,000 locally produced goods, many of them exclusive to the airport. For example, the Sabores de Portugal in-store concept highlights delectable Portuguese cuisine, offering travellers authentic culinary treats such as pasteis de nata (custard tarts) that are delivered fresh daily.
In addition to these local treasures, premium international brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Le Labo, Sol de Janeiro, and Creed, which are yet to reach the local market, have found a home at Portugal Duty Free. These prestigious offerings complement ARI's existing Pre-Loved boutique at Lisbon Airport, featuring vintage luxury fashion, as well as other stores like Victoria's Secret and the newly opened Lego store.
The Port Cellar, a showcase of the country's finest port wines, is a standout feature of the Portugal Duty Free concept. Boasting over 230 local varieties, it offers travelers an authentic wine tasting experience. Notably, Lisbon Airport, renamed Humberto Delgado in 2016 after the pioneering politician, features an "Eco Area" selling over 100 sustainably sourced items, enticing the growing number of socially conscious shoppers.
Ray Hernan, CEO of ARI, expressed pride in the new stores, stating, "We've created a marvel that's setting new benchmarks for our industry. We've lived up to our promises, turning ideas into reality—just as we'd envisioned in our original tender bid to ANA/VINCI." He further commended the collective efforts of the global and local teams, who masterfully executed the concept within astonishingly short timelines.
ANA, which is modernizing its airport infrastructure, echoed Hernan's sentiments, describing the stores as exceptional spaces that boost the overall passenger experience. Enhancing the competitive edge of Lisbon Airport as a hub for TAP Air Portugal, these new stores provide a memorable and diverse shopping experience for millions of travellers annually.
A significant player in Portugal's economy, TAP Air Portugal celebrates its 80th anniversary this month. With flights to 84 cities across the globe, the airline transported over 16 million passengers in 2021, marking a new record for passenger traffic at Lisbon Airport. As Latin American markets contend fiercely for market share, ARI has set its sights on capturing the hearts of two million Brazilian passengers, a record number for Brazilian travellers in Lisbon.
ℹ️ Behind the Scenes:
- Emphasizing Portugal's cultural identity: The Portugal Duty Free concept focuses on locally-made products, immersive experiences, and unique store identities to highlight the spirit of "Portugalidade" (Portuguese identity).
- Delighting the senses: Features include a Lisbon #28 tram, a vintage Volkswagen California camper van, a dedicate Port wine cellar, and delectable in-store culinary offerings, creating a memorable shopping experience for passengers.
- Sustainable shopping: The Eco Area at Lisbon Airport showcases over 100 sustainably sourced products, appealing to the growing number of environmentally conscious consumers.
- Growing portfolio: New brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Le Labo, Sol de Janeiro, and Creed complement existing offerings such as the Pre-Loved boutique, Victoria's Secret, and a new Lego store, expanding the shopping options for passengers.
- Setting new benchmarks in global airport shopping, the refreshed Portugal Duty Free stores combine the essence of Portugal's cultural identity, showcasing locally produced goods and iconic landmarks like Lisbon's #28 tram.
- The Portugal Duty Free concept, masterfully executed by Aer Rianta International (ARI), aims to capture the hearts of two million Brazilians, expanding its offerings with prestigious brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Le Labo, alongside sustainable shopping options like the Eco Area at Lisbon Airport.
- Influenced by Portugal's zeitgeist, ARI's Portugal Duty Free stores at Portuguese airports like Lisbon and Faro, immersed in the local culture, offer passengers authentic culinary delights such as pastel de nata and a wide variety of port wines, cultivating an unforgettable shopping experience for TAP Air Portugal passengers.
