Tappoo’s ambitious airport store plans

The Tappoo Group is to overhaul its entire Departures duty free store at Nadi International Airport once terminal extension works conclude in December.

The plan is to enhance presentation for key categories, including beauty products, liquor, tobacco, confectionery and jewellery.

Construction is under way to extend the back of the Departures store onto a section of apron, adding 560 square metres of retail space.

Executive Chairman Kanti Tappoo says the granting of additional store space is recognition by airport authority Airports Fiji Limited (AFL) of the group’s performance.

Working with Kingsmen Singapore, Tappoo is integrating the extension into the first full-scale revamp of the store for ten years, he said.

“The chance for a broader product offering – and the improved commercial returns for AFL – will be very exciting once the extended store opens next year,” Tappoo added.

“The chance for a broader product offering – and the improved commercial returns for AFL – will be very exciting.”

Value offerings are key to the predominantly Australian and New Zealand customer base.
 
Fragrances and cosmetics will occupy the first area that passengers encounter after customs processing.

“We will work very closely with the brands to ensure that they have the image that they deserve,” Tappoo pledged.

Liquor and tobacco will occupy the next section: at 31 per cent and 15 per cent of sales respectively, these categories remain core for the predominantly Australia and New Zealand customer base.

Once the new store is inaugurated in the first quarter of 2009 renovation will carry on upstairs, in the Departure Lounge area.

The group is planning full-scale redevelopment of its Fiji Market, sports and general merchandise outlets.

“The fact that Nadi is a 24-hour airport helps to enable work to be done in a concentrated period with minimal disruption,” he noted.