“Capturing the essence of this vibrant city” — ARI North America unveils refurbished Edmonton Duty Free stores

CANADA. Aer Rianta International (ARI) has unveiled its newly refurbished Edmonton Duty Free stores at Edmonton International Airport.

The two stores are located in the Domestic-International Departures Lounge and US Departures Lounge respectively.

ARI CEO Ray Hernan and Chief Operations & Business Development Officer Nuno Amaral joined the ARI North America team including General Manager Glen Morgan at the official opening on 22 January.

They were joined by airport Vice President, Passenger Experience and Terminal Operations Carmen Donnelly and Director, Commercial Development & Advertising Daphne Shelton.

The comprehensive redesign, which has been in progress since the stores opened in January 2024, marks a big step in enhancing the travel retail experience for domestic, international and US-bound passengers at the airport, ARI said.

This transformation aligns with ARI’s mission to deliver Joy On Your Way through innovative and engaging retail environments.

A defining feature of the refurbishment is a strong sense of place. Drawing inspiration from Edmonton’s landmarks and rich cultural heritage, the stores incorporate bespoke design elements to celebrate the city’s identity.

Among the highlights are a custom swing inspired by the city’s secret River Valley swing and a replica of a dinosaur fossil suspended from the ceiling. The latter pays homage to Edmonton’s history of paleontological discoveries.

These features aim to create visually engaging, ‘Instagrammable’ moments for travellers. Additionally, lush greenery is featured throughout the stores inspired by the landscape of Edmonton’s River Valley, the largest urban park in North America. Elsewhere, a vintage photograph of Jasper Avenue offers a nostalgic nod to the city’s storied past.

The revamped stores boast an extensive range of international brands, thoughtfully curated alongside a selection of local products.

Highlights among the local offerings include products by home-grown Edmonton businesses and a selection of Liquor and Ice Wines from the Wayne Gretzky Estates. These items honour the legendary hockey player’s legacy with the Edmonton Oilers and offer a taste of Canadian craftsmanship.

“It was important for us to really create an authentic, memorable experience for shoppers, and we have managed to deliver a truly special retail offering at the new Edmonton Duty Free”, said Glen Morgan.

“Edmonton has a rich and unique heritage, and the new stores encapsulate the essence of this vibrant city. We have cultivated a great range of brands and products to cater to the evolving passenger demographic travelling through the airport, and we will continue to work closely with our partners at Edmonton International Airport to enhance the overall airport experience through a superior retail proposition.”

Edmonton Airport Vice President, Passenger Experience and Terminal Operations Carmen Donnelly added: “Edmonton is a gateway to the world, and part of the travel journey is ensuring our passengers have the best experience possible. Our partnership with ARI is a key ingredient for our international passengers to enjoy the benefits of shopping duty-free, offering luxury and savings throughout the journey.”