Lagardère Travel Retail wins a travel essentials master concession with eleven new stores at Düsseldorf Airport in a Europe-wide tender
Future-oriented, interesting, passenger and visitor-oriented: This is how Lagardère Travel Retail won the tender for books and press, souvenirs and convenience at Düsseldorf Airport. The global travel retail specialist impressed North Rhine-Westphalia's largest airport with its innovative concepts, which combine international experience and regional expertise for appreciative, authentic and emotional shopping experiences, each tailored to the individual location. The first stores are scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2026.
The fast-growing Lagardère Travel Retail Deutschland GmbH is pleased to announce another milestone in the expansion of its German Travel Essential portfolio with the globally successful RELAY brand: With the opening of eleven new locations at Düsseldorf Airport, which will start in the first quarter of 2026, the international travel retail specialist is not only expanding its portfolio, but also setting new standards as part of its strategic growth in Germany. In addition to eight new stores of the well-known RELAY brand, the new master concession in Düsseldorf also includes two more stores of the “Discover” souvenir concept and a store of the family-oriented kids & toys concept “Affenbande”. A hybrid store developed exclusively for Düsseldorf Airport, combining RELAY and the Marché Café developed by Lagardère Travel Retail subsidiary Marché, completes the guest experience within the eight latest RELAY formats.
Together with the new eleven stores, Lagardère Travel Retail will operate 21 locations at Düsseldorf Airport in future, in addition to the existing four Tech2go stores and Marché's current six food service concepts, such as White Monkey, Palavrion and Marché Restaurant - a unique portfolio with a concept mix that combines variety, innovation and regionality.
“We are delighted that Düsseldorf Airport has placed its trust in our long-standing successful partnership and are proud to be able to bring world-leading retail and gastronomy concepts to Düsseldorf by winning the Travel Essentials tender. Our common goal is to offer our guests an exceptional experience with local flavor at every touchpoint that perfectly meets their needs as travelers,” explains Jochen Halfmann, CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail Germany. “The cooperation with Düsseldorf Airport is another strategic milestone for us as part of our national growth plan and we are excited to reach this milestone together with Düsseldorf Airport through continuous commitment to innovation and customer focus.”
“Düsseldorf Airport is the best place for Lagardère Travel Retail to implement innovative concepts in partnership. Here we have the expertise on site to target the specific needs of passengers and visitors. We are always open to new and exciting ideas that inspire passengers. The new stores are a further step on our way to becoming one of the best airports in the category up to 30 million passengers as an excellent, exemplary sustainable and regionally rooted airport,” says Lars Redeligx, CEO of Flughafen Düsseldorf GmbH.
A concept mix that defines new dimensions
With the opening of the new stores, Lagardère Travel Retail offers travelers a well-planned shopping experience: each store is not only tailored to the needs of travelers, but also sets new standards in travel retail with unique offers and contemporary designs:
- RELAY: Seven new stores are opening at Düsseldorf Airport under the world's leading brand for travel supplies, which not only offer a range tailored to the location, but also a new cooperation with Hollmann, the regional partner that brings local press and book expertise to the local market. RELAY combines over 170 years of experience and offers everything that travelers need - from magazines and snacks to travel gadgets.
- RELAY Marché Café: This unique hybrid concept combines the well-established RELAY range with barista coffee specialties and fresh snacks. The modern feel-good atmosphere invites you to relax and enjoy your journey. At the same time, self-check-outs ensure convenience and efficiency - perfect for passengers with little time but high expectations.
- Discover Germany: This souvenir store combines the fascination of local culture with innovative shopping highlights. From regional products to personalized souvenirs and food tasting stations - Discover Germany stands for authenticity and a real sense of connection with the region.
- Affenbande: The charming kids' store with its jungle design is a highlight for families. From life-size animals to child-friendly toys and books, shopping here is an adventure. Whether it's travel entertainment or the perfect souvenir - the monkey crew puts a smile on everyone's face.
A comprehensive presence - a statement for innovation and customer orientation
With this comprehensive retail presence, Lagardère Travel Retail is strengthening its position as a leading partner for travel retail and gastronomy. The new concepts are tailored to the needs of the airport's diverse target groups and offer a unique and memorable experience. With a total of 21 stores, Lagardère Travel Retail Germany is not only well positioned, but also strategically located: Airside, the company covers all departure areas, while landside the concepts are specifically tailored to the needs in the arrivals, departures and mall areas. The stores not only demonstrate variety, but also offer exclusive services that are unique to the Düsseldorf location: A humidor, lottery pick-up point and post office/DHL counter complement the shopping experience and make it extra practical and well-rounded.
“Our ambition is to make travel more enjoyable - with inspiration, regional flair and a first-class offering. With our new stores at Düsseldorf Airport, we are doing exactly that,” says Jochen Halfmann, CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail Germany.
PICTURE CREDITS
The RELAY Marché Café combines international experience and local expertise for an excellent passenger experience (Visualization: Lagardère/ Ghalayini)