Lotte Duty Free re-launches at Gimhae airport

After winning a Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) tender, Lotte Duty Free has officially re-launched at Gimhae airport.

The retailer now has 980.44 sqm of space, an increase of 329.2 sqm over its area last year. Lotte Duty Free had a 158.34 sqm presence at the terminal when it opened in 2007 until early 2014.

Fellow Korean retailer Shinsegae, which was at the airport until last month, is believed to have terminated its contract to focus on the city – it plans to open a 13,350 sqm store in the city centre – and its Incheon airport outlets.

Meanwhile, Lotte is targeting sales of W120 billion ($US99.2 million) at the airport this year with daily sales of W200 million.

Following an analysis of consumer shopping trends at Gimhae airport, the cosmetics area has been expanded by 40 percent with the introduction of such brands as Giorgio Armani, Jo Malone and Tumi.

In its entirety, the Lotte offers more than 120 food, electronics and accessories brands at the airport, along with fragrances and cosmetics labels such as Chanel, Dior and Sulwhasoo.

A special promotion to commemorate the grand opening at the airport offers as a grand prize for each of 30 Korean nationals and their partners a trip to Okinawa to watch the Lotte Giants baseball team train.

Other customers can win pre-paid shopping cards, movie tickets, drinks coupons and gift certificates.

Dufry Group also runs a duty-free concession at the airport.