ARI raises the retail experience in Portugal's airports

In February 2022, ARI was awarded a contract to partner with ANA Aeroportos de Portugal to enhance retail options across key airports in Portugal, including Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Madeira, and the Azores. This initiative aimed to provide a shopping experience that reflects the cultural richness of Portugal, showcasing local products and an inviting atmosphere for travelers. ARI introduced a host of unique elements in each airport store, specifically designed to create a memorable shopping environment by integrating themes from Portuguese heritage into the retail spaces. Highlights included a vintage tram in Lisbon and a Volkswagen camper van in Faro, contributing to a strong sense of place and identity for each location. The revamped stores feature over 230 local port wines in a specialized cellar, enhancing the local shopping appeal. Furthermore, the Eco Area at Lisbon Airport includes over 100 sustainably sourced products aimed at environmentally conscious consumers. ARI also expanded the selection of luxury and contemporary brands available at the airports, such as Charlotte Tilbury, Le Labo, and Creed, which are exclusive to the airport retail channels. In addition to these modern offerings, ARI maintained its Pre-Loved boutique at Lisbon Airport that focuses on vintage luxury fashion, catering to diverse customer interests. Ray Hernan, CEO of ARI, expressed pride in the transformative project, noting that they quickly brought their tender proposal to fruition with efficient collaboration between global and local teams. The swift transformation saw significant changes completed in just 63 working days, demonstrating ARI's commitment to meeting its promises and improving the customer experience in Portuguese airports. The initiative reflects broader trends in travel retail, which have increasingly focused on creating unique, immersive shopping experiences. ANA Aeroportos de Portugal, as the airport operator, has been undergoing a series of upgrades to improve infrastructure and enhance passenger experiences, a critical move as Lisbon competes with other major hubs in Europe for connecting flights and market share. This upgrading program aligns with the economic development goals of the regions served by these airports. With TAP Air Portugal processing a record high of 35 million passengers in one year, the renovations and new retail strategies are seen as vital in enhancing the attractiveness of Portugal as a travel destination.