New Duty Free operator bucks trend in NZ

New Duty Free operator bucks trend with NZ expansion

 Retail footprint doubles in four months
 Creation of up to 240 positions
 New online shopping channel and Rewards programmes expected to drive further growth

The numbers of kiwis travelling might have slowed in the past 12 months, but duty free newcomer, JR Duty Free is experiencing massive growth since opening its New Zealand doors less than four months ago.

In the last six weeks alone the family-owned business with stores in Auckland and Wellington airports has almost doubled its retail footprint with three new stores opening in arrivals and departures. A major Auckland departure shop will open on May 1 2010.

John Eady, JR Duty Free New Zealand Country Manager, says the company already had ambitious plans when it opened for business in July.

“We originally planned to open with 150 employees, and over time open new stores across Auckland and Wellington. However with the sales growth we’re experiencing and the three new stores opening, we now have over 200 employees and are looking to hire a further 30.

“Our approach has always been to focus on getting the service and supply right first, before expansion. We’re lucky that our people are of a calibre that means through our training, they enabled us to hit the ground running. This, combined with increasing sales and our ability to work closely with Auckland and Wellington airports meant we’ve been able to expand as fast as we have.

“Both airports are working through significant renovations, so we’re remaining flexible to fit in where they need us to temporarily relocate, while still providing travellers with great value, products and service. We’re now able to sweeten this offer with our new online duty free shop, and alignment with several large Rewards programmes which will add further value for the travelling public,” Mr Eady says.

JR Duty Free is poised to become New Zealand’s most rewarding duty free retailer with three major loyalty programmes to be operating by Christmas.

The first is already up and running offering over one million Kiwis great value on duty free items with JR Duty Free joining AA Rewards. In addition, from November, travellers shopping either online or in-store will be able to earn points on all purchases except tobacco, for redemption through JR Duty Free’s own loyalty programme.

In the next few weeks JR Duty Free will also be announcing a further partnership with another major Rewards programme, adding even greater value for travellers on their duty free purchases.

ENDS

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