For more than half a century, Duty Free shops lived quietly and happily in the extraterritorial space of airports around the world. There were no failures or deficits in their history. And now, in this corner of complete commercial prosperity, dark days have arrived. Terrorists, who thought of disguising explosives as shampoos and lotions, have called into question the very principle of shopping before a flight. Nowadays, on most European and transcontinental flights, cabin baggage is not welcomed in the aircraft cabins. A person with a hefty bag blocking the aisle now seems suspicious first and foremost. And only then - ill-mannered.
But everything sold in Duty Free is 100% cabin baggage. The luggage has already been checked in. 'And if you can't take a bottle of whiskey with you, why buy it?' foreigners think, and with an unflinching hand they close the shops. So, in many Canadian airports, alcohol and perfume departments have been closed. Almost all English-speaking countries, which consider themselves the 'main target of global terrorism,' have imposed restrictions on carrying liquids from Duty Free. As a result, sales are declining. Official figures are not yet disclosed. But the total annual turnover of the chain is estimated at $20 billion, and perfume and alcohol often account for more than 50% of store sales. Therefore, losses could be in the six-figure range.
In Russia, the crisis of 'duty-free shops' (as they are popularly called) is still far away. No bans on bringing alcohol onto flights heading to English-speaking countries are feared there. Passengers can easily 'polish off' whiskey and cognac before the flight. True, even at Sheremetyevo-2, alcohol sales have fallen. However, according to the company's central Moscow office, 'only by a very small amount.' But it should not be forgotten that this 'small amount' appeared against the backdrop of frenzied demand due to the alcohol crisis within the country.
'We cannot refuse a sale. But our sales staff strongly advise against buying alcohol for passengers flying to English-speaking countries, especially England and the United States,' said a Duty Free office representative. 'Some are not bothered by the prospect of consuming a liter of strong alcohol before boarding. But for most citizens, this approach completely kills the desire to buy anything.'
It is worth adding that, despite some decline in interest in its main product—alcohol—the Duty Free chain does not plan to lower prices.
Mikhail GUREVICH.
«Финансовые Известия»