MCARTHURGLEN, which operates luxury goods stores in Venice airport, plans to begin selling labels such as Armani and Valentino in Dublin airport later this spring, the Irish Independent has learned.

The UK-based company is in late-stage talks with the Dublin Airport Authority to open a 7,500-square metre shopping area selling luxury clothes as well as food and drink.

The shopping area, which will be far larger than the airport’s existing shopping space, will be aimed at passengers heading towards piers A and D.

That will help to make the long walk from security to the airport’s departure desks more interesting for visitors. The new area is set to open in mid May, sources said. Neither McAthurGlen nor the Dublin Airport Authority would comment on the plans.

The company moved into airports in September when it opened a shopping area in Venice’s Marco Polo airport.

Venice

McArthurGlen is best known for operating 16 designer outlet villages in the UK and elsewhere in Europe.

The company claims the villages sell over 700 brands and attract more than 65 million people .

The Venice operation features 21 brands including Hugo Boss, Brooks Brothers, Loro Piana, Bulgari, Ermenegildo Zegna, Ferragamo and Burberry.

A separate area is aimed at younger travellers and includes Marlboro Classics, Pal Zileri and Diesel.

Thomas Molloy

Source: www.independent.ie, March 26 2009