DUTY-FREE shoppers at Changi Airport can look forward to the launch of more than 70 new perfume and cosmetic brands over the next few months.
By the time the stores across all three terminals are fully stocked, Changi will offer a range of over 190 brands, the biggest collection at any airport in Asia, said South Korean firm Shilla Duty Free.
The airport retailer moved into Changi yesterday, after ousting incumbent Nuance Watson in a hotly contested fight to run the airport's 19 perfume and cosmetic stores.
It is a lucrative business with total sales from such items, as well as liquor and tobacco, hitting more than $900 million last year - about half the airport's total annual receipts from shopping and dining.
Among the new brands travellers can look forward to at Changi are Cle de Peau, Burberry Cosmetics, Cosme Decorte, Urban Decay, Vichy and La Roche Posay. These are popular among consumers in Singapore and will be introduced here for the first time, Shilla said in a media statement.
Travellers can also be assured of prices that are up to 40 per cent less than those available outside the airport, the firm said.
The stores will be progressively refurbished from now until the end of January to give them a fresh new look, it added.
At Terminal 3, a new double-storey outlet will offer facials and beauty consultation services as well as accommodate an in-house cafe.
Non-travellers will not be left out, Changi Airport Group's senior vice-president (airside concessions) Ivy Wong told The Straits Times.
The existing cosmetic and perfume stores at the departure halls will be re-branded to feature all-Korean brands like WHOO, Belif, Innisfree and Etude House.
During the renovations, it will be business as usual for duty-free shoppers but the public stores will be closed until next month, she said.
Shilla's arrival at Changi marks its foray into South-east Asia, the firm said. "Singapore has a strong tourism market and we see tremendous opportunity here," said the head of Shilla Duty Free, Mr Jeong-Ho (Jason) Cha.
As enhancements are being made to the perfume and cosmetic stores, renovations are already in full swing to upgrade the airport's liquor and tobacco outlets.
Six out of the 15 stores across the three terminals have already been refurbished and reopened.
Bank officer Sophine Bai, 32, said: "You can usually find Korean brands in Sasa stores here but if Changi can offer a wider and better range of products at more competitive prices, it's definitely a good thing for shoppers."
