Beginning our 2025 LinkedIn Q&A series, we focus on Mondottica Group’s Travel Retail division. Led by long-standing colleague, Louise Porte, Mondottica’s National Account Manager Travel Retail, we sat down to discuss Mondottica Group’s expansive travel retail network, renewed areas of focus and exciting brand partner activations for 2025.
Could you explain what comes under the term ‘Travel Retail’?
Travel Retail commonly refers to retail sales made in a travel environment such as airports, border stores, in-flight and on cruises and ferries. It does vary from ‘Duty Free’, as in some territories, for example, within the EU, taxes and duties are still payable. Although, in most countries retailers will still offer a discount on RRP.
How important is Travel Retail to Mondottica Group? What areas and markets do you currently focus on?
The importance of Travel Retail has been growing year-on-year for Mondottica. Historically, we have focused mainly on the UK and EU, but we’re now investing heavily in this sales channel and we are looking at expanding further afield. Last year, we joined APTRA – Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association – which has been enormously supportive and helpful. We had identified India and the Middle East as markets for us to concentrate on and it is already paying dividends.
Are there any particular product categories and brand partners Mondottica Group has that are focused for Travel Retail?
Currently, Travel Retail is a sunglass only business. However, we are at the point of releasing Ted Baker ‘Ready Readers’ and ‘Sunglass Readers’, which is a new category for us, and we have had a very positive response to them.
Ted Baker has been our most popular brand in Global Travel Retail, however, as we expand the territories we’re working in, the brand mix has diversified, reflecting the awareness of different brands in those countries.
Are there any particular new areas or geographical territories you will be focussing on for 2025?
We will still be focusing on India and Middle East, but we also plan to start looking to Africa, a huge, untapped market. Airports, and in-flight, continue to be a focus for us, but we would like to work on further expanding the cruise side of our business in 2025.
What exciting brand plans does Mondottica Group have for Travel Retail 2025?
We have several exciting things happening from a brand point of view, this year. The launch of Ted Baker Ready Readers and Sunglass Readers, a first for a fashion brand, will be a huge moment for us.
In April, we are launching florence by mills, Millie Bobby Brown’s first sunglass range, into Travel Retail. It is a fully sustainable collection, reflecting Millie’s passions and the first sunglass range aimed specifically at Gen Z. We will be launching in partnership with Avolta in the UK and have a number of exciting marketing activations planned.
We have other brands coming, but currently they are under wraps, sharing with you as soon as we can!
Where do you see the future growth in Travel Retail?
Mondottica Group will look to build on the solid foundations already established, adding brand partners to existing customers while always looking for new territories and customers. As previously mentioned, the EU, South Asia, Middle East and Africa will remain our focuses for 2025.
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