Schiphol Group, a Corporate Partner of the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub, has announced an expanded partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail. Beginning May 1, 2025, the cooperation will see Lagardère Travel Retail operating more than 20 duty-free stores at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport as part of a joint venture, with Lagardère holding a 70% stake and Schiphol retaining 30%.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Schiphol’s efforts to rejuvenate its retail offerings and enhance passenger experiences. Earlier this year, Schiphol invited retail companies to submit bids for a 10-year strategic partnership across several product categories, including perfume & cosmetics, sunglasses, tobacco, liquor, and chocolate. After a thorough selection process, Lagardère was chosen as the preferred partner, leading to the formalization of the agreement.
The collaboration will focus on the complete redevelopment of Schiphol’s duty-free shopping experience beyond airport security. “The expansion of our partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail is a key moment in the implementation of Schiphol’s new retail strategy,” said Arthur Reijnhart, Executive Director of Schiphol Commercial. “Through an intensive investment program over the next few years, we aim to restore Schiphol’s iconic status as a world-leading airport. Lagardère Travel Retail is the perfect partner to help us transform our duty-free stores into modern, attractive locations with an appealing assortment, competitive prices, and exceptional design. Our goal is to exceed passenger expectations, and we are confident that this partnership will make that possible.”
Lagardère Travel Retail’s Chairman and CEO, Dag Rasmussen, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This partnership will reinforce Lagardère Travel Retail’s position as a leading duty-free operator in Europe. We are thrilled to have been chosen by Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and look forward to strengthening our long-term collaboration. Together, we aim to transform and elevate the retail experience for travelers.”
The current contract with Schiphol Airport Retail (SAR) expires on April 30, 2025, with Schiphol extending its thanks to Gebr. Heinemann for their successful cooperation over the past decade. Schiphol’s recent acquisition of Kappé will further strengthen the partnership. The integration of Kappé and SAR stores into the new joint venture will offer opportunities to improve the layout and overall appearance of these locations.
The joint venture is still subject to approval from competition authorities and consultation with the works councils of Kappé, SAR, and Schiphol.
Lucio Rossetto, Chief Operating Officer for Europe at Lagardère Travel Retail, added, “Our shared vision is to transform the duty-free experience into a world-leading standard, combining operational excellence with a distinctively Dutch sense of place. Together, we aim to set new benchmarks for the travel retail industry.”
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