INVU ramps up eyewear innovations with new launches

INVU fittingly unveiled its 2018 sunglasses collection onboard a superyacht under the sunny skies of Cannes during the TFWA World Exhibition.

INVU ultra polarized sunglasses by Swiss Eyewear Group are targeted at the affordable price segment in travel retail, where they have forged a successful niche. According to Duncan Murray-Clarke, founder of the travel retail agent New Thing (which distributes INVU in the travel retail channel), this ambitious challenger brand is ranked number one or two wherever it is listed.

INVU Travel Retail Collection 2018

Modern mirror coatings

New Thing’s Head of Sales Martyn Westbury described INVU’s innovations as “truly tremendous”, pointing to the use of memory metal in the new 2018 Flextech collections. INVU sunglasses have sold particularly well onboard airlines such as British Airways, as well as at airport shops, ferries and cruiseships. He observed that being affordable was an important factor.

With retail prices starting at €50, INVU seeks to offer quality combined with value for money. Recent GfK market research highlights the importance of this price segment and confirms the exceptional retail sell-out of INVU sunglasses against a global mid priced polarized sunglass brand, the company said.

All INVU sunglasses are designed and engineered in Switzerland and feature Swiss Eyewear Group’s proprietary ultra polarized lens technology. The exclusive Travel Retail Collection 2018 features a wide choice of elegant women’s, contemporary men’s and what it calls “splashy trend models”.

Meanwhile, for the younger Generation Z demographic, the zero base curve combined with the latest, modern mirror coatings is the must-have 2017/2018 sunglasses trend.

SEKSY sunglasses with subtle Swarovski embellishment

Swarovski-studded SEKSY collection

In other news from Cannes, Swiss Eyewear Group launched the first-ever SEKSY Sunglass Collection, embellished with Swarovski crystals. These sunglasses are a brand extension of SEKSY watches by Sekonda.

In order to showcase the polished stones, each one is hand-mounted into a specially engineered socket, which is then integrated into the sunglass frame. Fully in line with the spirit of the glamorous brand, the sunglass case can be used as a stylish accessory to store sunglasses as well as a travel beauty case.

For the travel retail channel four SEKSY sunglasses will be available as exclusive styles, and they are supported with fashion photography that can be used for advertising or printed on showcards.

With a suggested retail price between €65 and €79, SEKSY will be positioned in the attractive impulse segment for fashion-conscious world travellers. 

MCM celebrates its heritage in Berlin

Luxury house MCM honoured its German heritage and design DNA with an event titled "VIVA MCM! VIVA BERLIN!" – a two-day experiential immersion into Berlin's highly influential art and music worlds.

“Much like MCM itself, Berlin represents the central point between East and West, where diverse people and revolutionary ideas unite in a clash of civilisations, creating the new and next,” said MCM.

Work in progress: A preview of the upcoming Koenig Souvenir x MCM collaboration

Bold and cutting-edge

Over the course of two days, MCM immersed international media and influencers into this community. First stop: Berlin's eclectic, international music scene, which came to life at The Store at Soho House Berlin with an opening party deejayed by high-profile performers.

First on deck was South Korean DJ and producer Peggy Gou, followed by Berlin's own music trio FJAAK, described as the first techno boy band in the universe. Austrian-born painter, musician and performance artist Egon Elliut closed out the night.

The evening also launched a music collaboration with FJAAK that explores the connection between MCM, music and travel. On display was a newly designed custom USB pouch loaded with a 20-minute, travel-inspired mix exclusively produced for MCM by FJAAK.

On night two, MCM took guests to the centre of Berlin's art community with a dinner at the König Galerie showcasing a collection of limited MCM editions curated by König Souvenir, an art label for unique products crafted in collaboration with the gallery.

Guests included well-known artists as well as key players from Berlin's cultural landscape. MCM offered an exclusive preview of the König Souvenir x MCM collaboration, which will launch at Art Basel Miami Beach in December 2017.

DJs Peggy Gou and FJAAK

“We want to create ‘opinion wear' – accessories, clothing and other daily objects that make a statement, that express views of the world as bold and cutting-edge as great works of art do," said David Mallon, Founder & Partner of König Souvenir.

MCM's Chief Visionary Officer Sung-Joo Kim said: "Berlin is a city with a monumental history, yet it is perpetually renewing itself in a ceaseless quest for freedom and expression. At MCM, we find great inspiration in the rebirth of Berlin and its creative communities, where art, fashion, and entertainment meld and the underground converges with the mainstream. This is Berlin now." 

Davidoff continues its voyage of discovery

Swiss cigar specialist Davidoff welcomed 300 guests to its highly popular Masters’ Evening at La Plage du Festival in Cannes during this year's TFWA World Exhibition.

Guests savoured Davidoff’s new Winston Churchill cigars, together with Belgian chocolates from Neuhaus and Flor de Caña sipping rum.

Davidoff's new Winston Churchill cigar 

Return of Chinese travellers to Europe

Davidoff’s marketing efforts over the past few years are paying off, as travel retail sales are performing “really well”, according to Martin Kaufmann, Senior Vice President Europe and Global Travel Retail of Oettinger Davidoff AG. The company is seeing high single digit growth worldwide on its Davidoff cigars, driven by its new “discovery pillar” cigars Escurio, Yamasa and Nicaragua, which are drawing in new cigar lovers. So far this year, Davidoff long filler cigar growth is up 8.7% from January to the end of August.

By region, Europe is doing well, buoyed by the return of the Chinese and other Asian travellers, while the Japanese market is performing “extremely well”, as the Chinese tourists flock to Japan rather than Korea, following the dispute between Beijing and Seoul over the deployment of the THAAD missile defence system. The Middle East and African markets are also showing nice growth.

“Innovations are allowing us to grow,” Kaufmann said, noting that the most important factor was good retail staff who are well-trained and knowledgeable. To this end, the firm has launched the Davidoff Academy to train its brand ambassadors across the regions in key airport hubs such as New York JFK, Los Angeles and San Francisco, where Chinese travellers are slowly coming back.

Delivering experiences

Best-selling products are centred on Davidoff’s discovery pillar blends, which encourage smokers to go out and discover the wider cigar world. The company has observed an emerging group of younger uses aged 30-35 who are discovering the cigar category. “We have a new and exciting story to tell,” said Chief Marketing Officer Charles Awad. “These smokers are more open-minded and have not formed any habits yet – they want to discover the wider world in the category and open their world to other experiences.”

The latter word is a crucial one in Davidoff’s lexicon. “We want to deliver experiences and stimulate the senses,” continued Awad. “We’ve asked our blenders to create the complex character of the Winston Churchill, the intrigue of nights in Rio for Escurio, and the spice and heat in Nicaragua. It’s not about origin, but diversity. We mix and blend to create something new, in the same way as a chef like Alain Ducasse.”

Turning to the in-store experience, accessories are an important part of the assortment in travel retail. For this segment, Davidoff’s new travel humidor will play a major role, noted Kaufmann. This high-tech, Italian-made product is welded from neoprene, tweed and rubber and carries a retail price tag of under $300.

And in a further in-store development, Davidoff is trialling a virtual reality experience at Zurich Airport. A headset transports you directly to a tobacco plantation, where you can experience the sights and sounds of the exotic location as well as the tobacco aromas of cream, honey, cedarwood, chocolate and pepper.

Bushmills to ship rare cask-matured whiskey

Bushmills Irish Whiskey is set to launch Bourbon #3 Char Cask Reserve – the third and latest edition in The Steamship Collection. This rare range of Bushmills Irish whiskeys is inspired by the extraordinary voyages of the steamship SS Bushmills.

As a travel retail exclusive, this new variant follows the successful launch of Bushmills Port Cask Reserve and Sherry Cask Reserve, marking the 125th anniversary of the maiden voyage of the SS Bushmills.

Bushmills' The Steamship Collection, featuring Bourbon #3 Char Cask Reserve

Travellers seeking unique products

In 1890, the SS Bushmills set sail for America to deliver Bushmills to new corners of the globe. On her maiden voyage, she established relationships with some of the world’s finest wine and spirits producers, before returning home with a variety of their finest seasoned casks. Today, these relationships have helped Bushmills’ master distillers explore the potential of whiskey maturation in exclusive and rare casks.

Helen Mulholland, Master Blender of Bushmills Irish Whiskey, said: “At Bushmills we are known for centuries of innovation, continuously exploring the nuances that different casks impart on our whiskey. Bourbon #3 Char Cask Reserve is the result of our long-standing relationship with master coopers from Louisville, Kentucky, who reserve only the finest American white oak, custom-charred bourbon casks to mature this unique whiskey.”

The seasoned casks are emptied of bourbon and re-charred before being shipped to the Old Bushmills Distillery, where they are filled exclusively with triple-distilled Bushmills single malt whiskey. By using a custom char, spicy, honeyed vanilla flavours are drawn out from deep within the fine grain American white oak. The resulting whiskey has subtle notes of toasted oak, spices and crème brûlée with a long, rich and smooth finish.

David Phelan, Global Travel Retail Director of spirits supplier Proximo, added: “We know shoppers within travel retail seek unique products they cannot get in their domestic markets, so Bourbon #3 Char Cask Reserve demonstrates our passion and commitment to meeting this consumer demand. To date, The Steamship Collection has been a firm favourite with travellers and we’re looking forward to the response we get from this exquisite new liquid once it goes on sale in early 2018.”

Retailing at £50 for a one-litre bottle, Bourbon #3 Char Cask Reserve (40%abv) is available from early 2018 at selected travel retail outlets. 

Bric’s celebrates 65 years of travel

Luxury luggage and accessories brand Bric’s is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year with a series of exciting new developments.

During the TFWA World Exhibition, the Italian family-owned firm unveiled a special 65th anniversary collection of luggage in a pink floral pattern, in line with fashion trends.

Bric's 65th anniversary floral collection with Spring 2018 pink luggage 

Inflight amenity kit collection

In addition, the company presented its new inflight amenity kits for Qatar Airways, spanning First Class and Business Class.

Bric’s has designed two bespoke premium amenity bags inspired by its suitcase collections and the brand’s mission to create products that match fashion and function.

The First Class amenity kit is a miniature version of its elegant Bellagio Collection. The rigid cases feature high-tech, lightweight shells accented with tobacco-coloured Tuscan leather trim and contrast stitching. The Business Class amenity kit is a mini version of the Sintesis Collection, distinguished by its asymmetrical and curved shape. 

A new autumn range of limited-edition amenity kits has made its debut onboard Qatar Airways flights for passengers flying in First and Business Class. These luxury kits come in four colours for autumn: yellow, navy blue, blush and tan.

The kits exclusively feature skincare products from Italy’s Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio, the environmentally friendly olive oil company, including lip balm, hydrating facial mist and City Cream anti-ageing moisturiser in Business Class, with the added Night recovery cream for First Class kits.

Bric's inflight amenity kit for Qatar Airways

Travel retail store expansion

Speaking to MJ Rabbit, Bric’s Travel Retail Manager Michele Maccapani said the company was continuing its retail expansion into North and South America, including Vancouver and Rio de Janeiro airports with Dufry, its valued travel retail partner. Bric’s has also boosted its presence in Russia with another store at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport.

And in an important new development, Bric’s has seen a 300% upswing in sales onboard 22 ferry stores operated by Harding Brothers, where the company offers both nylon entry-level bags and items from the core collection.

“I’m very happy with our travel retail business, but our challenge is to grow in Asia,” said Maccapani. “We want to increase our business there. We’ve recently changed our distributor in Korea and we’re waiting for more opportunities in China and Singapore’s market.”

Product-wise, backpacks are proving to be best-selling items, particularly in the black-on-black colourway for business use, along with the nylon X-Bag and X-Travel collections.

65th anniversary capsule collection

Bric's celebrates its 65th anniversary with a capsule collection inspired by the brand’s signature Life collection. The classic suede-effect mustang material, in the colour olive, features a delicate floral motif rich in anemones and cherry blossoms, for a fresh spring look.

The assortment includes a four-wheel soft trolley spinner available in three sizes (one carry-on supported by two larger, check-in sized trolleys), as well as the classic Bric's duffle bag in two sizes, a wash bag, a train case and a shopper.

These products can be easily combined with other Bric's lines: Life Pink and Capri Pink collections for an ultra-feminine look highlighted with floral details; Life olive Collection for classic elegance and simplicity; or with the Life Pelle collection, adding a warm, sophisticated touch.

The Life 65th Anniversary collection will be available from November, in time for the festive gift-giving season.

Dewar’s introduces 25yo whisky at Cannes fair

Dewar’s, the Bacardi-owned blended Scotch whisky, has launched Dewar’s 25 Years Old. To coincide with the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes this week, global travel retail will be the initial launch market, followed by a gradual roll-out into key domestic markets.

The new addition will succeed Dewar’s Signature, which has no age statement, as part of the brand’s commitment to age statements on its range of blended Scotch whiskies.

Dewar's 25 Years Old

Commitment to age statements

Master Blender Stephanie MacLeod sampled each cask of malt and grain Scotch whiskies aged 25 years and older. The selected casks were blended together and then filled into oak casks for additional maturation, known as double-ageing, to add more depth and enriched smoothness. In an extra step unique to the 25yo expression, the whisky was then filled into a set of Royal Brackla whisky casks for finishing.

According to MacLeod, Dewar’s 25 is “endlessly smooth, rich and elegant”, with layers of rich fruit, floral notes and delicate honey, and a hint of smoke to finish.

Explaining the importance of age statements to the brand, Fraser Campbell, Global Ambassador for Dewar’s, said: “Disclosing the ages of our blends allows discerning whisky drinkers to choose an expression with a maturity and flavour profile that matches their own character preferences. Dewar’s remains committed to age statements as a sign of craftsmanship and quality. In a world where aged stock is increasingly rare, we are proud to display an age on the front of our bottles.”

Dewar’s 25 Years Old (40%abv) retails at $225.

Santa Teresa 1796 Single Estate Rum

Santa Teresa 1796 rum enters travel retail

In separate news announced by Bacardi in the run-up to the Cannes fair, award-winning Santa Teresa 1796 Single Estate Rum has made its debut in travel retail with Lagardère at Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport.

A one-litre format of this super-premium, single-estate rum from Venezuela is offered specially for travel retail.

Family-owned Santa Teresa 1796 is a bold and elegant rum, awarded for its craftsmanship and exquisite taste profile. It is grown, harvested, aged and each bottle is hand-sealed as a single-estate rum using the complex, artisanal Solera method, where no barrel is fully emptied, the most recent blends mixing and ageing with the oldest. The blend is a combination of rums, aged from 4 to 35. 

Mike Birch, Managing Director of Bacardi Global Travel Retail, said: “There is strong potential in travel retail for a super-premium rum like this, especially in terms of its age and craft, appealing to shoppers at the second stage of luxury whose key purchase motivations are for aged spirits and the discovery of something rare and out of the mainstream. For the same reasons, we also see an opportunity to recruit new rum shoppers from the whisky category.”

He added: “This is an exceptional craft rum with a long and unique heritage, which also looks to the future, where its story is interesting and purposeful. The Vollmer family-run distillery has a big heart, and they are committed to making a positive impact in their community, bringing employment opportunities and rugby together in Proyecto Alcatraz, an inspirational project, transforming lives in the local community.”

Santa Teresa 1796 (40%abv) retails at $60 per bottle.

Bacardi pledges $3m for disaster relief efforts

Following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, as well as the earthquakes in Mexico, Bacardi Limited and the Bacardi family have committed $3m for disaster relief.

The world’s largest privately held spirits company has designated $2m in cash and other assistance to Puerto Rico – home to the Bacardi rum distillery – and the remaining $1m to local relief agencies supporting communities impacted in Florida, other islands in the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Mexico.

Bacardi USA has also contributed up to $100,000 to support its business partners and others affected by Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas. 

MCM rides on a travel retail wave to Cannes

As it prepares to greet visitors at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes this week, German luxury brand MCM is celebrating another year of double-digit growth in travel retail.

“Overall, our duty free business is doing well with double-digit growth,” says Nicolas Roptin, Global Travel Retail Director, MCM Worldwide. “Countries that are performing well for us are China, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia… they are all doing very well, and Canada is a growing market.”

The brand sparked the fashion trend for backpacks when it unveiled its best-selling studded canvas backpack several years ago, and this hands-free style remains a favourite among the millennial age group, as well as appealing to urbanites seeking a functional bag for their on-the-move lifestyles.

Additionally, MCM’s top-selling products are small leather goods, including its range of animal-themed bag charms, cross-body bags and leather bags. Roptin is seeing “a very positive trend” and high demand for cross-body bags – again offering a hands-free, practical solution for everyday life.

Looking ahead, the company is set to launch more ready-to-wear and shoes. “We’re developing more categories to cater to a whole lifestyle,” explains Roptin.

MCM's new store in Shenzhen, China

Seasonal travel exclusive products

During the TFWA World Exhibition, the Spring/Summer 18 collection will be unveiled. “Feedback [from travel retailers] on the collection has already been great,” enthuses Roptin.

The collection will incorporate seasonal travel retail exclusive products, such as backpacks and small leather goods, offering different colors and prints from the domestic market.

Turning to the outlook, MCM is forecasting double-digit growth for 2017, buoyed by its prominent presence in Asia. “We’re in all the key airports across Asia, and we want to strengthen our position in the region. We also want to grow our presence in targeted locations in Europe, the Middle East and North America,” he says.

Recent travel retail store openings in Europe have taken place at Frankfurt and Munich airports, and the company is working on projects in France, the UK and the United Arab Emirates.

The new store hit-list for North America includes Los Angeles, Toronto and Vancouver airports. A pop-up shop featuring MCM’s new pop-up concept is set to begin trading in New York JFK Terminal 4 at the end of September, and new store openings are in the pipeline for mainland Chinese airports, including Shanghai, Wuhan and Beijing. MCM’s latest store opening in China travel retail is located at Shenzhen Airport in the Terminal 3 Domestic Departures area.

Millennials – or “Global Nomads” as MCM’s owner and Chief Visionary Officer Sung-Joo Kim describes them – are important to the New School Luxury brand, so it uses all the social media channels to target these consumers, but Roptin notes that other age groups are also important. “In travel retail we always adapt our range to the specific customer profile traveling through a particular airport, and we analyze the traffic flows. In Europe, for example, we see a mixture of nationalities as well as age. They have different tastes, so we have to fine-tune the best assortment for each airport.”

*This article first appeared in Americas Duty Free Magazine's Lifestyle Issue, October 2017.