Early September Brussels Airport will boast a totally renovated shopping area. The shopping centre in pier A, which is used for intra-European traffic, is being refurbished. The new outlets are looking for 70 extra staff.
The shopping area on the departure level of pier A will not only be reorganized and refurbished, but various top brands will open an outlet at the airport. Well-known clothing brands such as Esprit, Massimo Dutti, River Woods and Zara will open their own airport store, as will sports brand Puma, the exclusive brand Samsonite Black Label and home interior specialist Flamant.
Belgian Sky Shops, the largest retailer at Brussels Airport, plans to open four specialist shops in the renovated area. Besides a shop that will carry top brands in women’s and men’s fashion, BSS will also open a renewed book and press store as well as the new high-end concept Epicure, specialized in whiskies, wine and tobacco goods. Finally there will also be a chocolate kiosk on this floor. For many years now Brussels Airport has been the most important chocolate vending point in the world and the demand for chocolate is ever increasing.
The renovation of the shopping area will also see the introduction of new food & drinks concepts including a new coffee bar, a seafood restaurant, a juice bar and an exclusive wine bar. The area will also feature a Quick restaurant, following the successful opening of a Quick restaurant in the arrivals hall. All Food & Drinks outlets at Brussels Airport are operated by Autogrill Belux.
Pier A welcomes more than half of the passengers at Brussels Airport. The shopping area in pier A is located beyond border and security control, allowing passengers to shop and enjoy a drink or a meal carefree. The low-price structure too continues to attract the traveller. With nearly 10 million visitors a year, the shopping area in pier A is considered a commercial top location.
After the renovation, the total surface area of shops, bars and restaurants will have increased from 1,500 to 4,000 square meters. The new shopping centre is tailored to the wishes of the contemporary traveller, whose profile has changed thoroughly in the last few years. Today’s passenger wants a large variety of products and brands, which alongside chic top brands also includes their own familiar brands.
The new shopping area will open early September. The new shops together will provide 70 extra airport jobs. As of next weekend they will address job-seekers through a joint media campaign to recruit managers, floor managers and shop assistants.
Vicky Karantzavelou - Friday, April 25, 2008