Hong Kong International Airport's big-name line up of luxury brands is believed to constitute the finest airport retail development in the world

International luxury brands Prada, Tiffany, Baccarat, Christian Dior and Ralph Lauren have chosen Hong Kong to open their first airport shops in the world.

A host of other high-end product names and restaurants have also taken space in the HK$600 million (US$77 million) revamp of Hong Kong International Airport's (HKIA) SkyMart, which has begun opening in stages and will be completed by the end of the year.

Twenty-five new designer boutiques in the airport's expanded East Hall include Burberry, Dunhill, Fendi, Omega, Ferragamo, Bally, Bvlgari, Gucci, Hermes, Cartier,  Celine, Chanel, Coach, Zegna, Hugo Boss, Lanvin, Longchamp, MontBlanc and Lancel. Hong Kong brand Shanghai Tang is also opening an airport shop for the first time.

"We now have an assortment of top tier brand names that you will not find in any other airport in the world - even (London's) Heathrow cannot compete with that," HKIA commercial director Hans Bakker said.

He added that HKIA has done a lot of marketing all over the world in order to attract the right brand names.

"We have positioned our airport as the window to the Chinese mainland. It is the biggest airport in the region, and a gateway of China. So looking at our passenger profile, HKIA is the ideal hub for the international brands to have an airport presence."

Trend-conscious shoppers

Fifty-two per pent of airport "big spending" customers are Taiwanese, Japanese and Chinese mainlanders - especially mainlanders, who make up the fastest growing market sector.

"Mainland shoppers are very brand conscious - perhaps even to a higher level than the Japanese," Mr Bakker said. "They know that the brands on sale here are authentic, and because there are no import duties in Hong Kong, branded products they buy here are around 25 per cent cheaper than in mainland China."

Along with 50 more shops, the SkyMart extension also includes 29 new eateries featuring both Western and Eastern cuisine. Options include fine dining and live jazz at Cafe Deco, wood fired pizza from Wildfire, and the laid-back atmosphere of the Champions Sports Bar (including smoking section). Also present are Hong Kong's only Burger King and Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits outlets.

Well-established Chinese eatery Pak Loh Chiu Chow Express and the popular Ajisen Ramen restaurant are also opening their first airport outlets at HKIA.

The overall ambience of the SkyMart makeover exudes an air of warmth, comfort, and quality. Comfortable lounge areas, latest IT facilities and a designer decor further enhance the atmosphere of fine dining and luxury shopping.

"We believe we have catered to all sections of the market, in all price sectors, giving an entirely new airport experience," Mr Bakker said. "With more space to relax, more shops, more brands and more choices for dining and refreshment, I'm confident this will be the finest airport retail development in the world."

Related link:
HKIA www.hkairport.com