Lagardere Travel Retail reopens 88 stores in Wuhan Airport

Lagardere Travel Retail has reopened 88 stores at Wuhan airport after more than two months of lockdown due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

According to a statement, Lagardere Travel Retail’s sales are expected to resume as the number of passengers passing through Wuhan Airport gradually increases.

“Our ability to restart operations at Wuhan Airport is testament to the dramatic improvement in the sanitary conditions in Hubei province,” said Eudes Fabre, CEO of Lagardere Travel Retail China. “I wish to thank our staff and business partners for their patience and stoicism throughout this crisis. This reopening sends a strong message of hope and optimism to all in our industry who are affected by the current epidemic.”

In appreciation of the medical staff’s work in Wuhan, the company is offering free meals at 16 restaurants and cafes together with shopping privileges for all medical workers flying out of the city this month.

“Traffic volumes are still below what they were pre-crisis, but we’re already seeing an upward trend. After a long lockdown period, people are keen to travel again and there is pent-up consumer demand which will translate into retail sales,” Fabre added.

All hygiene and security measures, including temperature screening, regular disinfection and social distancing, are still applied at the Wuhan Airport to ensure the safety of staff and passengers.