Because of tough competition, airport duty-free shops have had to improve their product ranges and services. The selections at larger airports now far exceed those of many shopping centres, and the airport shops are open 24/7.
The price competition is also being driven by e‑commerce and the ease of price comparisons online. And, of course, it is the passengers who benefit most!
Gifts and luxuries at discount prices
Duty-free shopping is convenient in many ways.
The new owner of Helsinki Airport's duty-free shops promises to give flyers a new, fully international-level shopping world.
You have to get to the airport in good time anyway, so for once you do have time for shopping too. The wait flies by as you explore the shops. Airport shopping is a handy way to buy gifts for those at home – you can avoid carting them around and also get rid of the foreign currency that weighs you down.
A duty-free shop with some luxury can inject a bit of sparkle into routine travel too. How about trying a new scent for a change?
Prices are usually lower than on the high street, by roughly the amount of VAT, even though this shopping is no longer tax-free for those flying within Europe. Quite often, the shops even display helpful price comparisons.
If you are flying to a destination outside the EU, or to the Åland or Canary Islands, you can still buy alcohol and tobacco products completely tax-free.
There are often special offers and limited editions available only at airport shops.
Helsinki Airport – shops on a new level
All of Helsinki Airport's duty-free shops now operate under the World Duty Free Group. With a presence at over 100 airports, globally, WDFG promises even better service and more new brands for Helsinki Airport. Product selections will grow, and passengers will be tempted by more and more alluring offers.
Helsinki Airport's duty-free and tax-free shops
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Text: Minna Kalajoki, Mediafocus Oy
Photo: Finavia
