Hamburg, 30 July 2019. All prospects for the future Russian border shop business are pointing to growth: Together and through a joint venture with local partners, Gebr. Heinemann just acquired Kapo Duty Free, the current leading Duty Free operator of border shops in Russia. The company – which at present operates 12 border shops as well as three smaller regional airport shops in Russia – has been a Gebr. Heinemann wholesale customer for over 20 years and there had been a good, long-standing partnership between the two companies. Its main border shops are located in Torfjanovka and Svetogorsk (on the Russian/ Finnish border) and in Zabaikalsk (on the Russian/Chinese border). In future, Gebr. Heinemann will be represented in Russia with around 12 border shops at eight borders to five countries.
Excellent basis for further turnover growth
“We are very happy about the acquisition of Kapo. Gebr. Heinemann's goal in the deal was the continuous and further expansion of our (East) European border shop business, in which we see great potential and want to position ourselves in the long term as well as expand and secure our market leadership in the Russian Duty Free market,” says Oleg Zhytomyrsky, Director Sales Eastern Europe Central Asia at Gebr. Heinemann. “Extending our business in this area gives us the opportunity to serve all passengers along the borders for example to Finland, Estonia or China and thus reach out to customers in a completely different way.In future, we will have even more the opportunity to bring in our international experience, especially in terms of product range development and target group orientation.”
The shops are to be modernised and will be taken to an even higher European travel retail level. The primary target groups are travelling tourists and foreigners. The focus of the assortment will be on Liquor, Tobacco, Confectionery (LTC) and Perfume and Cosmetics (P&C) plus additionally local assortments, depending on the needs and requirements of the respective border.
Press contact:
Julia Knors
Corporate Communications Manager
+49 40 3010 2186
