Next, the largest fashion retailer by sales in the UK is raring to open its biggest ever tax-free store at Stansted airport. The store, which has secured prime space in the transformation of the departure lounge plans to introduce children’s clothing in addition to men’s and women’s fashions. This is a first of any clothing outlet at any UK airport.
Stansted airport has seen an increase in passenger volumes by 7.2% over the last year. This revelation ranks it the fastest growing airport by passenger numbers. In August 2014 for instance 2 million passengers travelled through Stansted, contributing to the rise in the number of passengers travelling through Stansted to more than 18.9 million for the past 12 months. This is the first time Stansted has superseded the 2 million passenger mark since August of 2010.
Stansted is putting up an investment of £260 million to embark improving passenger amenities and services at the airport. The Managing director, Andrew Harrison, believes that Stansted has the ability to create a cost-effective responsible growth as the UK seeks to expand global connectivity in the next 10-15 years.
Next is just an example of the partnerships that can grow as a result of collaborations between business and airports. Next is going to increase the services and products available to travellers especially those waiting for connecting flights. It is a perfect store for last minute fashion shoppers who remember that one thing they always wanted just before their flight.
Next which has over 7000 stores across the world says it is excited on this new development, Being part of the transformation at Stansted gives it both the visibility and the middle to high end class of customers that it deals with.