Furry friends inspire new MCM fragrances

MCM has introduced the MCM Fragrance Collection – a whimsical array of scents inspired by the iconic animal characters of the Munich brand.

The new collection, manufactured in Italy by Inter Parfums, “delivers a unique olfactory experience, capturing the essence of you through the guise of your favourite furry companions”, the company said.

MCM Fragrance Collection - Jolly Rabbit 100ml Eau de Parfum

The fragrances were created to embody the Maverick mindset, with each scent tailored for distinct attitudes, such as bravery, boldness, mischievousness and joyfulness.

The olfactory experiences comprise the woody florals of Mighty Bear, the citrus scents of Jolly Rabbit, the bergamot notes of Charming Pup and the spicy nuttiness of the Darling Doxie dog character.

The fragrances ($150 for 100ml Eau de Parfum) come in logo-engraved glass bottles, with the corresponding ornamental figure on top.

In separate news, MCM has created a digital store in the Caliverse, a community-driven metaverse platform.

MCM Virtual Haus in the Caliverse

Unveiled at the CES 2025 show in Las Vegas, the MCM Virtual Haus immersive space lets you create and customise your own avatar, style yourself with signature MCM pieces, and get online MCM purchases delivered straight to your door.

The Caliverse is a next-generation metaverse platform based in Seoul, South Korea, combining gaming, social and shopping elements with high-quality hyper-real graphics.

Suntory to sponsor APTRA India conference

Suntory has announced its commitment as a Gold Partner sponsor for the 2025 APTRA India Conference, scheduled to take place in Mumbai from 7 to 9 April, following its sponsorship of the inaugural event, held in Delhi last March.

Suntory’s renewed sponsorship underscores the strategic importance of the Asia Pacific region, the Indian traveller, and this market’s potential for growth.

Liquor is a dominant category in this region, and is poised to maintain its robust growth trajectory. Thanks to its highly sought-after spirits portfolio, Suntory Global Spirits is strategically positioned to leverage these emerging opportunities.

Within the Indian travel retail channel, the spirits category is mainly characterised by Scotch whiskies, a sector where Suntory benefits from multiple renowned brands that resonate with Indian consumers. Additionally, the rapidly rising demand for Japanese whisky presents a significant opportunity for Suntory’s premium Japanese offerings, including Toki, which has been a key growth driver in 2024.

Investing in the market

“We are delighted to once again sponsor APTRA’s India Conference,” said Suntory Global Spirits Managing Director Global Travel Retail Ashish Gandham. “India represents a pivotal opportunity for our travel retail business, and we are investing in the market to accelerate growth and build on the solid foundations we have already established.

“Through strategic partnerships with our customers and a focus on immersive branding touchpoints at airports, Suntory aims to deliver premium products and experiences tailored to the diverse needs of Indian consumers. The increasing sophistication of travelling shoppers, coupled with the ongoing expansion of the premium spirits category, positions India as a key market for our long-term growth."

MCM makes a bold statement in Macau

MCM has expanded its retail footprint in Greater China with a new flagship store in Macau. The boutique is located at the prestigious Galaxy Macau mall in Cotai and showcases the German fashion brand’s Spring/Summer 2025 Under the Sea collection.

The grand opening event was attended by Thai actor Pond Naravit and other fashion personalities.

Pond Naravit at the new MCM store in Macau

Commenting on the evening, Pond Naravit said: “I’m grateful to have been part of the opening of MCM flagship store in Macau. An incredible night celebrating bold creativity and iconic design in a city full of energy. It was an honour to experience this moment with MCM and be part of the Maverick journey.”

MCM is currently distributed in 584 stores in 43 countries.

Rémy Cointreau’s Westland whiskey sets sail

Rémy Cointreau has introduced its Westland American Single Malt Whiskey to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, in partnership with operator Avolta.

As the home of Westland Distillery, the Seattle opening marks a milestone for Westland in the travel retail channel, and highlights both Rémy Cointreau’s ambitions for the brand in the region.

Westland American Single Malt Whiskey

Westland’s award-winning whiskies are distilled in Seattle’s SoDo neighbourhood, where visitors to the distillery can enjoy tastings and tours. As a pioneer in the American Single Malt Whiskey movement, Westland Distillery welcomes the official recognition – announced last year – of American Single Malt Whiskey as a designated category by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. This landmark decision represents a pivotal moment for the growing segment, solidifying its place within the world of whiskey, and establishing a unique identity for American Single Malt Whiskey on the global stage.

Westland American Single Malt Whiskey made its global travel retail debut last year with International Shoppes at New York JFK Terminal 1 and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Terminal D, followed by openings at JFK T4 and San Francisco and Los Angeles Tom Bradley International Terminal, in partnership with DFS Group.

A new partnership with Holland America

In an exciting new development, Westland has partnered with Holland America Line to secure its debut cruise listing, starting with the company’s Alaskan itinerary. In 2024, Westland Distillery was proud to obtain B Corp Certification, which demands adhering to the highest levels of social and environmental performance, public transparency and accounting.

The brand’s sustainable practices were a key factor in its selection by Holland America, which also strives to offer passengers high-quality, locally produced spirits.

A unique Westland Single Cask bottling will be available to purchase on the cruise company’s Alaskan routes, alongside Westland Flagship. A second, exclusive single cask whiskey will be available on all of Holland America’s Caribbean ships. Furthermore, to celebrate this new partnership, renowned bartender Sam Ross – inventor of the famous Penicillin cocktail – has updated his signature whisky sour recipe to include Westland whiskey. The PNW Penicillin will be available for passengers onboard.

Elsewhere in US travel retail, the product focus centres on Westland Flagship, a DFS-exclusive Single Cask and Colere 4, in line with the brand’s vision to delight travellers as they explore new possibilities within the malt whiskey category.

Westland Distillery Managing Director Jason Moore said: “Westland is thrilled to launch its American Single Malt in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and onboard Holland America, allowing more people globally to savour the iconic whiskey. We are excited to embark on this journey of delivering exceptional spirits to more discerning customers worldwide, setting a new standard for the duty-free shopping experience.”

MCM lands in Riyadh at prestigious Solitaire Mall

MCM has expanded its presence in the Middle East with the grand opening of its new flagship store at the upscale Solitaire Mall in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in partnership with Al Moallim United.

Located in one of the city's most prestigious shopping destinations, the space embodies MCM’s signature fusion of heritage, innovation and luxury.

MCM's new store in Solitaire Mall, Riyadh

Inspired by the mall’s geode-like architecture, the 152sq m boutique is a harmonious blend of sleek minimalism and warm earthy tones, reflecting both MCM’s German craftsmanship and the vibrant cultural energy of Saudi Arabia.

Designed to elevate the shopping experience, every element – textures, materials and ambience – immerses visitors in the fashion brand’s bold aesthetic.

This milestone also marks MCM’s growing presence in the region with the launch of a dedicated local e-commerce platform, ensuring a seamless shopping experience both in-store and online, the company said.

The store’s grand opening was hosted by Iraqi entrepreneur and MCM Maverick Noor Stars, who has just been named Arab Woman of the Year 2025.

Halewood boosts promotions for its craft spirits

British distiller Halewood Artisanal Spirits is bringing its brands Whitley Neill Gin and Dead Man’s Fingers Rum to UK airports with a series of engaging activations.

From April, travellers will be treated to gin and rum experiences in locations across the UK and Europe, as part of its partnerships with major retailers Avolta, Lagardère, Gebr Heinemann and Aer Rianta International (ARI).

They will be able to sample innovative new offerings from the two brands, including Japanese Yuzu & White Strawberry Gin, the Distiller’s Cut London Dry Gin and Dead Man’s Fingers White Rum. In addition, travellers can enjoy best-sellers including Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger, along with Dead Man’s Fingers Spiced Rum, Mango and Cherry plus various flavoured Tequila Cream Liqueurs. 

Whitley Neill Japanese Yuzu & White Strawberry Gin

Activations run from April throughout the summer at UK airports including pop-up campaigns featuring digital pillars/screens, tasting bars and merchandising units at London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol and London Stansted airports; and events at Stansted, Newcastle and Manchester. Activities are also planned with P&O Ferries.

In addition, Halewood will be running shared brand activations throughout the year with Gebr Heinemann to bring exciting gin and rum experiences via tasting bars, impulse podiums and digital screens to international airports across Europe, including Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Billund, Denmark.

The company also has a dynamic collaboration with ARI in Cyprus which will see activations at the busy airports of Larnaca and Paphos for Whitley Neill and Dead Man’s Fingers through the key trading months of June, July and August.

Halewood Artisanal Spirits Global Travel Retail Director Eamon Prunty said: "Our activations provide the perfect opportunity for consumers to experience our latest innovations and best-sellers in an exciting and interactive way. As always, our main ambition is to get liquid on lips through tastings, supported by bold impactful displays that reflect the colours of the various brand flavours. We want to connect with consumers in a fun and engaging way whilst being informative too, and our new Lift & Learn digital experience allows consumers to explore the various flavours in a dynamic and engaging environment.”

Prunty continued: “We know that to succeed in travel retail demands campaigns that travellers cannot fail to engage with. Fun, eye-catching and impactful pop-ups, merchandising units and digital screens are the first step in engaging with travellers; encouraging them to taste and explore the various flavours is the second vital stage in sales conversion. We’re delighted to again be working with specialist retail agency Kounter this year to bring this ambition to life.”

MCM thinks pink in Thailand

MCM celebrated the season of love with its Soft Pink Pop-Up Store in Bangkok, showcasing its signature pink Visetos Monogram leather goods.

MCM Maverick Yoghurt Nattasha

The launch, at the stylish Bangkok shopping mall ICONSIAM, introduced the Spring/Summer 2025 collection, brought to life by MCM Mavericks, including Mew Suppasit, Tul Pakorn, Yoghurt Nattasha and Becky Rebecca.

The pop-up – a first in Thailand for the German brand – remained open at the Thara Hall event space in ICONSIAM until 28 February.