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YVR welcomes world duty free store

The debut of the second release of Generations Glenlivet 70 Year Old affirmed the significance of the World Duty Free "Connoisseur Collection" at YVR – just days after the anniversary of the Battle of Britain, during which the cask was laid.

The rare Scotch malt whisky is the last from a cask laid down in 1940, when few casks were made due to rationed grain and fuel. Four of the 100 bottles available will be sold for $35,888 per bottle until November 1, 2012 exclusively at the World Duty Free store at YVR.

"Welcoming North America's first World Duty Free store and one of the world's oldest whiskies to YVR are testaments to the strong partnerships in place here to create a successful retail program," said Larry Berg, President and CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. "Offering premier duty-free retail is a key component of our strategy to remain the gateway airport of choice for international passengers visiting British Columbia and beyond."

In addition to its 'Connoisseur Collection' offering the finest selection of premium whisky in North America, YVR's World Duty Free has the largest duty-free beauty department in North America. It includes an extensive range of premium products and brands such as Sisley, Crème de la Mer, La Prarie, Chanel, Dior, Lancome and Estee Lauder.

The 1,450m² walk-through World Duty Free store is located after security in the International Terminal, where it anchors nine other duty-free stores at YVR as part of a brand-new World Duty Free Group shopping experience.

Padraig Drennan, President of World Duty Free Group-North America, comments, "We started working with YVR in 2007, when we opened our first duty-free store in North America under the Aldeasa brand. Over the past five years, we have continued to work closely with the airport to achieve and in many cases surpass agreed goals and ambitions. With the redevelopment of the stores here, we have introduced the first World Duty Free store in the Americas which is also the largest walkthrough in North America. We have already seen a strong performance from our various stores, particularly luxury skincare where we have achieved an increase of 80% in sales. Most importantly, we have also succeeded in delivering an exceptional retail experience for passengers. We look forward to continuing a long and successful business partnership with YVR".

The new walk-through store will also feature many of World Duty Free Group's signature concepts such as a Tasting Bar and its innovative in-store entertainment and digital marketing solution, 'Contentainment'. Helping and encouraging customers to 'try before they buy' and capturing customer interest with high-visibility technology are key elements of successful customer engagement.

The Hermes store, which became operational earlier this year under the World Duty Free banner, is the only duty-free Hermes in Canada.  The refurbished 'Thinking Canada' specialist souvenir store with 510m² of retail space offers one-stop shopping for an extensive range of Canadian products. Also, a new 165m² Collection concept store, offering a selection of luxury watches and jewellery, meets the customer demand for more premium brands in this category.