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DFNI was on location today at Oslo Airport for the official reopening of the new, extended and modernised tax-free and Travel Value shops.
Travel Retail Norway (TRN), a joint venture between Gebr Heinemann and Norse-Trade, has redesigned and reopened the spaces offering a flexible, sustainable, and local experience. There is a big focus on local goods and a “future-friendly” section offers products that meet specific sustainability criteria.
Gebr. Heinemann Director Sales, Jens Wolf said: “It is our common belief that the travel retail market here will continue to grow strongly – if the right offer is made to travellers. That is why we as TRN have invested extensively in the shops. Oslo is a very important location for us, and we will do our utmost to provide a spectacular assortment and unforgettable experiences to travellers.”
The sense of place-focused Nordic design of the six shops was developed in-house with support from Norwegian architectural firm snøhetta (designers of the Oslo opera house), to bring a local atmosphere into the areas. The shops have been extensively renovated, walls have been removed, making it easier to navigate the spaces. Most of the fittings are made from repurposed materials and follow a flexible-furniture model for different concepts, enabling shops to adapt quickly to changing customer demands and to create new customer experiences.
The new concept is certified according to BREEAM certification for sustainably built environments. There is also a big focus on local goods and a “future-friendly” section offers products that meet specific sustainability criteria.
Arrivals shop
The six shops cover an area of more than 9,000sqm.
In Arrivals, there is a large Tax Free shop of around 3,400sqm offering LTC and P&C assortments, where the focus is on convenience for travellers.
A highlight is the addition of a wine cellar, where travellers can enter the temperature-controlled room and choose from a wide selection of exclusive wines.
The Click & Collect Pick Up Point has been expanded and is connected to the entrance of the space. This area is also directly connected to the warehouse and AutoStore system for a convenient and faster shopping experience.
Departures
In the Departures tax-free area, there are two main tax-free shops and one satellite shop (non-Schengen Area). Here, walls have been removed to create a central Market Place offering space for pop-ups.
A range of LTC and P&C products are on offer and also a new Travel Value fashion shop, housing the largest selection of sunglasses in the Nordics, and add-on categories like ready-to-wear and accessories, featuring Norwegian fashion and accessories brands, including Oslo-based Crystal Haze jewellery.
The Travel Value shop in the domestic departures area offers the core categories – perfume and cosmetics, fashion and accessories, and toys.
The extensive renovation of the stores was preceded by the extension of the concession for TRN starting 1 January 2023, for five years. In addition to Oslo, TRN also operates duty-free shops at Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim airports.
TRN Managing Director Tore Hov said: “The extension of the concession for us means the continuation of our trusting partnership with Avinor, which has now lasted for a solid 18 years. We want to use this extension to make our offer in the stores even more attractive and be as successful as we were in pre-pandemic times.”
Avinor EVP Commercial Joachim Lupnaav Johnsen said: “We are delighted to see the conceptual thinking from the tender process coming alive. TRN is a cornerstone in our commercial portfolio, financing our network of airports. We look forward with prosperity to developing the future of Travel Retail together. Thank you, Gebr Heinemann and TRN, for your courage during troublesome times and your trust investing at Avinor airports.”
