Passengers can now shop at low prices just before take-off thanks to four new duty free shops in the A-Plus terminal area of Frankfurt Airport. Two Heinemann Duty Free shops in the retail areas of the Schengen and non-Schengen zones each span more than 2,000 square metres – and both will set new standards. Heinemann, which also runs duty free stores in the existing terminals, has unveiled a greater range of low-priced perfumes, cosmetics, spirits, confectionery and accessories by leading international brands. Another two 500-square-metre duty free shops have also opened along with a Hermès fashion outlet.

For Fraport AG, the owner and manager of Frankfurt Airport, the inauguration of the new Pier A-Plus represents a milestone in the development of retailing space. “We are looking forward to continuing the trustful and successful cooperation shared with Heinemann over some 40 years in one Fraport’s most important business areas. This extensive cooperation that also started in the early planning phase of Pier A-Plus will pay off for our customers. They will benefit from innovative concepts, attractive shop design, new service offers and friendly staff. We are pleased to have such an experienced and competent Airport Retailing partner like Heinemann – dedicated to continuously developing Duty Free and Travel Value shopping concepts for high-level customer satisfaction,” says Karl-Heinz Dietrich, Fraport AG’s executive vice-president for retail and real estate. Heinemann has taken on 140 new staff to work in the new stores. “We want to give customers outstanding service – and the best way to do that is through very well trained staff”, says company owner Gunnar Heinemann. “As far as we’re concerned, service includes advising our customers in their own language. That’s why the 880 employees we have here in Frankfurt represent more than 45 different nationalities.”Heinemann has invested a total of €13 million in the new shops, which the company hopes will raise turnover by 19 percent on the basis of the expanded range of goods. In 2011, Heinemann generated turnover of approximately €228 million through its duty free shops and fashion label boutiques in the existing terminals. “The floor space of the shops in the new A-Plus terminal area is the largest we’ve ever managed at an airport terminal”, reveals Gunnar Heinemann. “This opens up new dimensions for us.”Fine foods: duty free shops with a delicatessenPremium olive oil, spices, antipasti, seafood, truffles, teas and coffees – with the opening of the new duty free shops, Heinemann is offering travellers an experience that includes an upscale delicatessen with fine foods that make perfect gifts. The company is thus placing its faith in culinary delights from around the globe. Many of the top quality products are sourced from Italy, Spain and France, countries where luxury and quality are big sellers. Other highlights in the range come from farther afield, such as nougat from South Africa and macadamia nuts from Australia. Three main brands will be given pride of place in the shop: the two traditional French businesses Fauchon and Hédiard (dating back to 1886 and 1854 respectively) and Fortnum & Mason of London, which was established in 1707 and continues to supply Queen Elizabeth II with delicacies as the holder of various royal warrants of appointment. In partnership with these suppliers Heinemann has developed special gift-style packages and sets for passengers. Graft architect’s office designs regional speciality zones With over 11 million hectares of forest, Germany is one of Europe’s most densely wooded countries – and a number of highly unusual trees have taken root in the Heinemann Duty Free shops in Frankfurt. For the ‘Made in Germany’ regional speciality areas, internationally renowned architects Graft came up with a forest-themed installation: dynamic tree sculptures comprising stacked layers of oak rise up in the middle of the shops, catching the eye of shoppers. With this modern reading of a forest, Graft has created an open and flowing space, a clearing in which to pause for a while amid the hustle and bustle of the airport. This is also the place for travellers to pick up a slice of Germany to take home. Blue Nun Eiswein, made from German Riesling grapes, is particularly popular with Asian shoppers. Those in search of a classic in new packaging may wish to investigate Underberg in a special gift tin, while food items such as Nuremberg bratwurst may also be purchased for faraway friends and relatives shortly prior to take-off. At all airports, Heinemann collaborates with high profile architects and design offices to produce concepts for its Regionals zones. The result has been a spectacular series of installations that make every Heinemann Duty Free shop distinctive; whichever airport a traveller passes through, shopping is certain to be a unique experience. Top brands, low pricesThe TÜV Rheinland technical inspection authority, whose independent experts regularly review prices, has verified that Heinemann Duty Free customers do save cash on their purchases. They concluded that 90 percent of featured products at Heinemann promise shoppers savings of up to 30 percent on both High Street and online prices. The fact that travellers save money has been confirmed by the TÜV (German Technical Inspection Authority), whose independent team of experts regularly reviews pricing in the shops. The result: 90 percent of Heinemann’s featured products offer the customer savings of up to 30 percent on High Street and Internet prices. Passengers can also check prices online at heinemann-dutyfree.com before travelling.Anyone with a valid boarding pass can shop at Heinemann Duty Free: Whether the flight is domestic, across Europe or to a distant continent, the customer always pays the same price. The only exception is tobacco due to the tax status on the excise stamp. Heinemann’s biggest German location“Frankfurt is the biggest marketplace we have in Germany: we now operate 34 shops as well as a large warehouse in Kelsterbach, and we employ 880 staff. We’re also constructing a state-of-the-art logistics centre in Erlensee, close to Frankfurt. By the end of 2013, we will have 120 employees working there,” confirmed Gunnar Heinemann.