Melbourne Airport has unveiled plans to expand its duty-free footprint after awarding Lotte Duty Free a new license earlier this year.
Lotte has begun expanding the duty free experience across the international terminal’s 3,600m space.
The arrivals duty-free experience will be expanded first through a renovation of the existing space, reportedly inspired by Melbourne's laneways and architectural style. The retail space in departures will then expand in 2026, providing more room for increased products and in-store activations.
Melbourne Airport chief of retail Jai McDermott said international travellers can also expect new luxury brands and travel exclusives.
“Melbourne is widely regarded as Australia’s fashion capital and the Lotte brand will enhance that reputation with luxury items and travel exclusives that can only be found in duty-free,” McDermott said.
“Significant savings can be found across popular categories including alcohol, cosmetics, perfume and eyewear thanks to GST and tax savings, and Lotte’s loyalty program.”
Key in-store features will include a mixologist serving free cocktails, complimentary makeup tutorials, and skincare consultations.
Lotte Duty Free Oceania CEO and director Stephen Timms welcomed the new partnership with Melbourne Airport.
“We are looking forward to the store expansions and bringing world-first shopping experiences to Melbourne travellers,” Timms said. “We look forward to welcoming travellers through Melbourne Airport with an engaging and new fresh approach to Duty Free, which is uniquely Melbourne.”
Melbourne Airport has also relaunched its online duty-free store “Laneway”, allowing travellers to click and collect when flying overseas or re-entering Melbourne.
International travellers can purchase products up to two months ahead of travel and redeem items inside Lotte’s Arrivals or Departures store on the day of travel.
Lotte Duty Free also operates at the international airports in Brisbane, Darwin and Wellington, as well as through a CBD location in both Melbourne and Sydney.