By Aimee Chanthadavong
Sydney Airport together with Heinemann Asia Pacific has enhanced the retail offering at the T1 International terminal with the opening of two concept stores, National Geographic and gourmet gift store A Little Something.
The National Geographic store marks the first airport outlet for the 125-year-old brand. It includes magazines, books and DVDs as well newly created products. The store also offers items designed for the rigours of adventure and exploration from casual travel gear to multi-layered apparel.
Meanwhile, A Little Something takes inspiration from a French delicatessen carrying an assortment of gourmet foodstuffs from international brands such as Fortnum & Mason and Max Brenner to local Australian brands, including T2 Tea, MakMak Macarons and Maggie Beer. The store also stocks fine wines from around the world, which visitors are invited to “have a sip”.
At the grand opening of the store, Heinemann Asia Pacific chief executive officer Steffen Brandt said passengers will experience more than a traditional retail environment at National Geographic and A Little Something.
“A Little Something was inspired by the yesteryear of delicatessens with a French influence,” he said.
“We have a wide range of international products. But we’re also very proud to have an assortment of local products too. Positioned as a gourmet gift store, we have complimentary gift wrapping services so passengers can bring the concept home with them. We have created a ‘create your own gift’ area and there are also fine wines too. Most importantly we are extremely proud because this concept was developed in-house.
“With National Geographic, we are trying to give customers a compelling visual display and state-of-the-art design. Obviously the store is dedicated to stimulate, educate and inspire passengers to celebrate global cultures and to focus on Australia.
“We are pleased to present both shops A Little Something and the Australian National Geographic as a team effort.”
According to Sydney Airport general manager of retail, Andrew Gardiner A Little Something has taken over retail space that has been vacant for two years. It was previously tenanted by Nuance Australia selling consumer electronics.
“It’s the first entrance into Australia by Heinemann and to have them as part of the retail offer at the airport is just great,” he said.
“It’s my job to convince them to come here but it’s their job as retailers to work their magic.
“Here you can take something from Australia as well as something from overseas. And there’s a lot of international range. This is the last chance for passengers to pick up gifts.”
The new businesses will be operated by Travel Retail Australia, a joint venture between Heinemann Asia Pacific and Souvenir World Group.