By Carole Levy
Avalon Airport has stepped up duty free shopping to a high level. A time-honoured ritual of international travel, the airport’s duty free shop still has all those labelled and patterned bottles lined up under lights and a host of gift ideas beckoning. But significant changes have upped the ante.
AirAsia and Lagardère Travel Retail have combined forces to bring OURSHOP to Avalon Airport, an online duty free shopping experience that allows travellers to pre-order goods.
OURSHOP head of acquisition Hassan Choudhury says: “What used to be a 20-minute shopping experience as travellers rush to their boarding gates is now 365 days of shopping indulgence.
“Travellers are now able to peruse goods for weeks, if not months, before they travel, purchase in advance and have their gifts waiting for them at either departures or arrivals duty free when they arrive at Avalon.”
Customers who purchase online have the added benefit of earning AirAsia BIG Points that can be used to redeem free AirAsia flights.
This creates a “circle of value” – the more miles travelled and the more items bought, the more points earned by the customer.
Lagardère Travel Retail Pacific Region CEO Przemek Lesniak said it is a new and exciting partnership developed with AirAsia.
“We’re delighted to bring this to the Pacific region,” he says.
“We believe it highlights endless benefits for our customers who choose to travel with AirAsia as it opens up a new world of accurate marketing, products and convenience within the travel retail sector.”
According to Avalon Airport chief executive Justin Giddings, the partnership is logical and beneficial.
“This is especially so for our customers,” says Mr Giddings.
“We’re already the easy way to fly – especially for people living in the Wyndham region.
“We’re thrilled that there is now a more flexible option for duty free shoppers as well.
“AirAsia recently won the SkyTrax World’s Best Low Cost Airline award for the 11th year in a row.
“This latest expansion in the retail world demonstrates an airline focused on bringing travellers an affordable, flexible and comfortable experience.”
Avalon Airport, 80 Beach Road, Lara. Inquiries: 5227 9100 or visit avalonairport.com.au
