STC duty-free arrival shop reopens its doors |20 October 2023
● Promises a premium shopping experience
The Seychelles Trading Company (STC) has reopened its duty-free shop in the arrival lounge at the Seychelles International Airport.
After a period of renovation and revitalisation, the new STC arrival duty-free shop is ready to welcome customers and aims to once again become the go-to destination for international travellers seeking a seamless world-class shopping experience.
The newly revamped retail duty-free shop promises to elevate the shopping journey for travellers offering an even more luxurious and diverse selection of products from renowned brands.
From premium fragrances, cosmetics, and fashion accessories to fine wines, spirits, and gourmet treats, it caters to every taste and preference. The shop's elegant layout and soothing ambiance provide the perfect backdrop for discovering new treasures or indulging in old favourites.
The last time the duty-free shop underwent a facelift was in 2010; the 13-year gap between renovations underscores the significance of the changes made during this project.
The handover of the shop took place on Monday, October 16, 2023 in the presence of STC’s chief executive, Siana Bistoquet; the deputy CEO, David Jean Baptiste; the CEO of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), Garry Albert; and other key personnel from both the STC and the SCAA team.
Overseas partners, Harald Suenner and Millicent Abiero Lubrecht representing Gebr Heinemann Company, as well as Sigourney Kinnear from Dakota Design PTY LTD (the designer contracted by Gebr Heinemann) were also in attendance.
“We are delighted to welcome back our valued customers to the newly revamped STC duty-free shop. Our team has worked tirelessly to curate an exceptional collection of products that reflect the global diversity of our travellers,” said CEO Bistoquet.
The main partner of STC, the Gebr Heinemann Company which has worked alongside the company as a trusted supplier for many years now, reaffirmed its commitment to STC pledging to continue supplying them with products that meet the highest standards of quality, authenticity, and affordability.
In commemorating the grand reopening, STC duty-free arrival shop offered special discounts and promotions on selected products, allowing shoppers to make the most of their visit.
STC has also thanked its loyal patrons for their patience and loyalty during the temporary closure.
It also extended its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the SCAA for their collaboration and invaluable partnership throughout the project.
Meanwhile SCAA gave media outlets a tour of the newly renovated shop on Wednesday.
Speaking to the media, SCAA CEO Gary Albert commended STC for the great job done in the renovation of the duty-free shop, adding that it helps in elevating the airport standards.
“Clients can now enjoy a duty-free shop which is up to international standards like others around the world,” he said.
Mr Albert said renovation work has been ongoing at the Seychelles International Airport to help raise the standards and client airport experience.
“The airport has been constructed so many years ago and so there is a need to keep maintaining and renovating it,” he added.
“We do have a plan to construct a new terminal in the future but we are still in discussion and reviewing our master plan.”
Mr Albert pointed out that the redevelopment of the airport is being carried out in three phases.
“First we need to have our master plan, then the design and finally the construction phase.
This whole process might take more than five years but during this time we cannot operate on a low standard. We need to ensure that our clients are getting a good experience and our facilities are up to date,” he said.
“We need to construct an airport that can cater for the number of passengers that uses our airport services on a daily basis. It is equally important that we give our clients the service and facilities that they see in other airports.
“Clients pay to use our airport through the passenger service fees, so we need to give them value for their money,” he added.
The Seychelles International Airport has recently achieved level one Customer Experience Accreditation by the Airport Council International, the global body for airports.
Mr Albert said this is done by evaluating the service being offered at the airport, if the clients are satisfied and their needs are being met.
“This for us is already representing a transformation. The work being done to upgrade the facilities and standards at the airport has a vital role to play in this process.”
Next step is to move to the departure lounge and we are in discussion and planning stages, he added.
“STC also has a shop in the departure lounge and we will ensure that it becomes up to standard as this one.”
“Other airport operators are being called on to join together with SCAA to help improve the standards and services being offered at the Seychelles International Airport,” Mr Albert said.
Mandy Bertin/STC press release
Photo credit: STC
