South Korean duty-free retailer Lotte has formally taken over the liquor and tobacco concessions at Singapore’s Changi Airport from DFS Group.
Construction of the new stores are likely to begin once the island’s current “circuit-breaker” restrictions are relaxed in the wake of the continuing coronavirus outbreak. Before this period the firm will trade via the online platform iShopChangi.com.
Lotte won the concessions last year in a tender process following the withdrawal of LVMH-owned DFS Group after 40 years at the airport. DFS said continuing to sell alcohol and tobacco at Changi Airport was not commercially viable, but it will continue to operate fashion stores there.
The new Lotte outlets will be operator’s largest duty-free business in Asia Pacific, offering more than 3000 choices of wines and spirits, including exclusive limited-edition whiskeys and cognacs.
A high-tech tasting bar and immersive experience zones are likely to be features of the new stores.
“Apart from a complete revamp of store designs, passengers can also look forward to an omnichannel experience as we integrate a seamless brick-and-mortar shopping experience with e-commerce,” said Changi Airport Group executive VP Lim Peck Hoon.
Lotte has been awarded the concession for roughly 8000sqm of retail space at the airport for six years, ending June 8, 2026.