Airport News
Retail at UK airports 'looking healthy'
Fri, 17 Oct, 2008
UK hubs such as Birmingham Airport are still seeing large numbers of shoppers, despite the credit crunch, it has been found.
A survey by Verdict Research found that people are unable to resist the temptation of things such as perfume and spirits in the duty-free shop, with impulse-buying playing an important part.
Some 83 per cent of passengers said they spend between £50 and £199 before their plane takes off, with two-thirds admitting to buying things they may have left on the shelf in shops at home.
Nick Gladding, spokesperson for Verdict Research, said people may be cutting down on spending before they go in order not to miss the thrill of shopping at the airport.
"What we've seen is a polarising in spending; people are trading down and buying value items and at the same time, safeguarding on premium products as well," he commented.
The findings are backed up by a previous study by Co-operative Bank Credit Cards, which found that the average family spends £72 on items such as books, magazines, duty-free and food before they go abroad.