Brisbane Airport and Lotte: Crafting an exclusive Brisbane experience

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Brisbane Airport Corporation is elated to announce the extension of their collaboration with Lotte Duty Free, with Lotte securing an additional 10-year lease for the Duty Free concession at Brisbane Airport.

This announcement follows a competitive selection process for the decade-long partnership, coinciding with a significant overhaul of the terminal and a doubling of the Duty Free area.

Lotte Duty Free has been the incumbent Duty Free partner since March 2019 when they initiated operations in the International Terminal.

The new lease agreement is set to officially commence on February 1, 2024.

Gert-Jan de Graaff, the CEO of Brisbane Airport, expressed his delight in renewing the partnership with a highly valued airport partner.

“Lotte Duty Free aligns perfectly with our core values of communication, care, courage, and collaboration. Moreover, they share our sustainability focus, with plans to incorporate sustainable design elements in the future store and a strong emphasis on waste management. This alignment, combined with an incredibly exciting store concept that showcases the future of Duty Free retail and a commitment to continually enhance the customer experience, positions them as an ideal partner for Brisbane Airport in the exciting decade ahead as travelers from around the world come to visit.”

Martin Ryan, Executive General Manager of Commercial at Brisbane Airport, added, “We were immensely impressed by the quality of responses we received to our Duty Free Request for Proposals (RFP). The operators displayed the same level of excitement as we do about the growth and potential at Brisbane Airport. Throughout the selection process, we evaluated candidates based on four key pillars – evolution, hospitality, sustainability, and uniqueness. Lotte Duty Free not only expertly addressed these criteria but also excelled in the realms of technology and innovation, introducing new brands, providing an experiential retail environment, and creating a space that embodies the essence of Brisbane. We eagerly anticipate the Australian-first initiatives in store design and the collaborative achievements over the course of our partnership.”

The 10-year partnership will unfold through three distinct phases, expanding the current 2,795 square meters footprint across arrivals and departures to encompass a 3,900-square-meter departures store, a 1,056-square-meter arrivals store, a ‘Last Chance’ store, and a 38-square-meter atrium retail area. This expansion will accommodate a broader range of categories, including technology, food, confectionery, with a strong focus on local brands, produce, and the finest offerings from Queensland.

The enlarged footprint will allow Lotte Duty Free to employ 35% more staff throughout the terminal, while also leveraging their Korean headquarters to promote and boost tourism to Brisbane and Queensland.

Ju Nam Kim, CEO of Lotte Duty Free, expressed, “The award of a new 10-year term at Brisbane Airport marks a significant milestone in Lotte Duty Free’s journey towards becoming Oceania’s premier duty-free operator. As a global travel retailer, Lotte Duty Free remains committed to pioneering new markets through active investment.”

Steve Timms, CEO of Lotte Travel Retail Oceania, commented, “Our renewed partnership with BAC will create an exceptional retail experience that reflects the unique essence of Brisbane. The store design for Brisbane will be entirely distinct from any other location, featuring a bespoke design that captures the spirit of the city. Expect numerous first-of-their-kind features, as we unleash our creative vision. We extend our gratitude to BAC for entrusting Lotte Duty Free to bring world-class concepts to Brisbane Airport.”

The evolution of Brisbane’s International Terminal forms an integral component of Brisbane Airport’s massive $5 billion commitment to shaping the future of BNE. As part of this redevelopment, an RFP will be released in early 2024, inviting operators in specialty retail, food and beverage, news and books, and foreign exchange to participate.

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