The chief financial and strategy officer across Heinemann Asia Pacific has revealed that the duty-free retailer is looking at off-airport opportunities in the Oceania region following its recent push into the New Zealand market.
In the business’ latest annual report, Rajshree Dugar said many airports in the region are becoming real estate establishments with hotels and off-airport shopping malls.
Auckland Airport, for instance, will soon open the Mānawa Bay premium outlet centre just outside the main terminals in late September this year. Auckland Airport owns over 1,500 hectares of freehold land, some of which includes warehouses, offices, retail spaces, services and accommodation facilities.
“We have actually gained concessions at Auckland in the last few months – for Fashion and Accessories, and Watches and Jewelry,” Dugar said. “Operations start in the second quarter of 2024.
“This way, we have an opportunity to get deeper insights into New Zealand travellers and the country’s larger luxury ecosystem.
“Also, we are looking at off-airport developments. Many airports in the [Oceania] region are becoming real estate establishments with hotels and off-airport shopping malls.
“We are ready to explore these opportunities with our airport partners.”
Heinemann's new concession space at Auckland Airport covers 370 square metres. In a recent interview with Ragtrader, Heinemann Oceania managing director George Tsoukalas said the team will open a ‘Haus of Luxe’, which will have five brands not seen before in the New Zealand market.
He said the New Zealand market is different from the Australian market, where Heinemann already has a key presence.
“Their expectations are distinct, particularly with a preference for supporting local brands,” Tsoukalas said.
“So we are also working on a few other initiatives from a stores perspective in New Zealand, where we will probably go less luxe, but more in that premium space, where we will look to introduce some premium brands in the overall offer.”