Fossil Watch Boutique debuts at HYD Airport

What’s travelling through an airport and not having compelling reasons to shop! Airport retailing has come a long way in India ever since India’s first greenfield privately managed airport opened its doors in 2008 at Hyderabad.

With an eclectic mix of brands spread across numerous categories, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport managed by the much respected GMR Group has stood apart in its offering over the years.

The latest brand offering at the domestic departures of Hyderabad Airport is international time wear and accessories brand, Fossil.

The new boutique will showcase an extensive range of watches, accessories for men and women including purses, hand bags, office and laptop cases, waist belts, wrist bands, bracelets and much more.

Premium brands have been experimenting beyond their core offering over the years and has been a hit for most of them. Consumers see these brand extensions as an expression of themselves and hence, invest on their favourite brands, which also make them brand ambassadors in a way.

Airport Retail in India is estimated to be a little under USD 1 Bn pa (INR 8,200 Cr), with 150+ airports serving 190 mn passengers yearly. The pre-Covid passenger numbers surpassed in 2023, with a total 160 mn passengers taking to the skies during the year.

Comparatively, the likes of airports at Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai, etc. have an individual annual turnover exceeding USD 2 Bn within their premises. For CY 2023, Dubai Airport reported revenues of USD 2.16 Bn.

With just over 24% of Indian passengers taking international trips in India, airport retail in India offers a unique opportunity for brands to cater mostly to domestic travellers.

While food and beverage has been the most sold as a category over the years, product retail has clearly taken over the charts, especially in a post-Covid scenario.

The Modi Govt. has activated over 70+ airports in the last decade, through its much celebrated UDAN scheme – Udega Desh ka Aam Nagrik (every Indian can fly).

Through this scheme, airports with less than 5 lakh passengers pa have been renovated or redesigned, thereby making travellers from Tier 2/3 towns take to the skies.