ETW Staff- Mumbai
Travel Food Services (TFS), F&B operator in the travel retail segment, and LS travel retail ASPAC – a division of the Lagardère Services are set to open nine Relay concept stores before the end of 2014, with a range of key locations at New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) and Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
Sunil Kapur, chairman, TFS, said, “The opening of additional Relay stores in India enables us to strengthen our footprint in the Indian travel retail segment. Two key developments – our earlier alliance with Gate Gourmet (Joint Venture for buy on board flight catering in India) and now the Relay franchise with LS travel retail – have further strengthened TFS’ position as a one-stop provider of retail solutions across several travel points. We are excited to bring the experience of Relay to passengers at IGIA and Kempegowda International Airport.”
The four existing Relay stores at Delhi, located in the Domestic Departure halls at Terminal 1D and Terminal 3, are adapted to the new Relay concept store format. At Bengaluru, Relay will create a powerful new presence through five new concept stores, with carefully selected locations in both Arrivals and Departures, serving both Domestic and International passengers.
In August 2012, TFS announced a strategic partnership with LS travel retail to develop Duty Free locations within India and also a franchise agreement for the globally successful brand, Relay. The Relay brand in India will retail books, press (magazines and newspapers), souvenirs, and convenience and impulse products in a varying merchandise mix as per the location.
Grant Fleming, operations and marketing director, LS travel retail ASPAC, adds, “The combined, deep understanding on the part of both TFS and LS travel retail ASPAC of the traveller mindset enables us to respond successfully to addressing their unique needs and other challenges. We are certain that our new outlets will do much to enhance the experience for travellers passing through IGIA and the Kempegowda International Airport, and should pave the way for the exciting travel retail plans we already have in store for the country.”
Emmanuel de Place, chief operating officer, LS travel retail ASPAC, outlines the importance of the agreement, “2013 was a fruitful year for LS travel retail in Asia Pacific. We have expanded our footprint in Malaysia and China and now we have covered India. The franchise approach with TFS is set to ensure the continued leading presence of our iconic Relay brand in India, one of the Asian countries with the highest growth potential after China. At the same time, the partnership creates a good synergy for us to actively pursue Duty Free opportunities within India in the near future.”
Speaking on the development, Harmeet Grover, chief operating officer, TFS, said, “Each of our stores across Delhi and Kempegowda International airports is strategically located to induce larger footfalls. Furthermore, the layout for every outlet has been carefully planned, bearing in mind the consumer behaviour and purchase patterns, so as to deliver a fulfilling buying experience to every customer.”
