Seoul’s Incheon International Airport is set to get a new operator for 22 of its Terminal 1 duty-free shops from July 6, 2018 onwards, replacing current operator Lotte Duty Free.
The airport recently sent out an invitation to tender for a contract period of five years. A tender presentation is currently set for this Friday, April 20 with applicants due to submit proposals by May 24.
The new tender comprises all duty-free concessions in the airport’s DF1 category, comprising two areas consisting of three perfumes and cosmetics shops at the Passenger Terminal 1, East area and a further 19 shops in the concourse offering all merchandise. Together, the 22 stores occupy 6,091sqm of space.
According to The Moodie Davitt Report, current operator Lotte Duty Free opted to return three of its four concessions at the airport following a sharp decline in sales largely related to a drop in the number of Chinese tourists to South Korea. The company will continue to operate its liquor and tobacco business.
These three areas have since been reorganised into the two areas included in the tender.
Incheon Airport is a popular destination for duty-free shopping among Business Traveller readers and has been regularly awarded the position of Best Duty-Free in the World in the Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards as chosen by readers in the annual survey.
