A UK-based convenience store operator and a Danish brand of jewelry manufacturer are two of the latest retail brands to open its doors to passengers at Mactan-Cebu International Airport, announced airport operator and manager GMR-MEGAWIDE CEBU Airport Corp. (GMCAC).
Last May 20, WH Smith launched their first Travel Store concept in the Philippines located inside the Domestic Departures Area occupying 36 square meters of leasable space.
WH Smith is a British retailer listed in the London Stock Exchange selling books, stationery, magazines, and newspapers and entertainment products. Its Cebu outlet features confectionary, softdrinks, books, digital accessories, tobacco, stationaries, E-pay, souvenirs and journey solutions.
“Since we opened the store, we have been getting increasing number of buyers especially the foreigners. Today, we also have more of the locals coming in not just to browse around put also purchase our items,” said Noel Gingoyon, WHSmith- MCIA store supervisor. According to Gingoyon, most of their saleable items are neck pillows, chips, water and dried mangoes.
WH Smith currently operates over 1300 stores, primarily in the UK, comprising 725 travel outlets at airports, train stations, hospitals, workplaces and motorway service areas. It was the first chain store company in the world, and was responsible for the creation of the ISBN book catalogue system.
Meanwhile, Pandora, which is known for its customizable charm bracelets, designer rings, necklaces and (now discontinued) watches, opened at the International Pre-Departure Area last May 9. Pandora jewellery is sold in more than 100 countries on six continents through approximately 9,000 points of sale, including more than 1,800 concept stores.
Since January this year, GMCAC has introduced 13 new brands into the airport’s retail environment. These include: Ray Ban, Emporio Armani, Prada, Brics, Coccinelle, Sisley, Benetton, Mac, Pandora, L’oreal and The Body Shop, Victoria Secret, Bench Apparel and WH Smith. /PR