Summary:
- Travel Retail Vilnius has reopened a redesigned 1,300sqm walk-through duty free store at Vilnius Airport as part of the airport’s major modernisation programme.
- The new retail concept integrates shopping into redesigned passenger flows, supporting growing traffic volumes and evolving traveller expectations.
- Featuring Lithuanian-inspired design, immersive retail elements and a zoned music concept, the store is designed to enhance the passenger experience while creating a strong sense of place.
Travel Retail Vilnius (TRV), a subsidiary of Gebr. Heinemann, has reopened its fundamentally redesigned duty free and travel value shop within the Schengen area of Vilnius Airport. The reopening is closely linked to the airport’s ongoing large-scale modernisation programme, which includes the launch of a new departure terminal, the reconstruction of existing terminal spaces, and the expansion of commercial areas to enhance the overall passenger experience.
A key element of this development is the creation of integrated retail environments within newly designed passenger flows, as the airport adapts to growing passenger numbers and rising expectations regarding comfort, services, and shopping opportunities. The centrepiece is a new walk-through store in the Schengen area, covering 1,300sqm, which is around 55% larger than the previous retail space. By the end of the year, TRV will also open its non-Schengen shop.
“We are thrilled to see the largest duty free shop in the Baltics open in Vilnius – an airport which has been witnessing significant infrastructure growth and record passenger numbers,” said Simonas Bartkus, CEO, Lithuanian Airports. “We are thankful to our long-term partners at Gebr. Heinemann for unveiling this central location among the reconstructed departures terminal which will cater to the needs of more than five million passengers each year. I am certain that a warm and inviting interior paired with a diverse offering will provide a great travel experience for all.”
The design concept combines warm, natural, and earthy tones with authentic ornaments inspired by Lithuanian ethnoculture. These elements are seamlessly integrated with modern retail solutions, resulting in a contemporary yet culturally rooted shopping environment.
“Our longstanding partnership with Lithuanian Airports is built on trust, close collaboration and a shared ambition to continuously improve the passenger experience,” said Oleg Zhytomyrsky, Sales Director Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Gebr. Heinemann. “Over the years, we have jointly developed the retail landscape step by step. The reopening of our shops is a natural continuation of this journey, taking our cooperation to the next level.”
Orinta Amelija Ambrazeviciene, Managing Director Travel Retail Vilnius, commented: “With the reopening in Vilnius, we are taking the next step in translating changing passenger expectations into a concrete retail experience. The new concept integrates retail seamlessly into the passenger journey, while at the same time putting a strong emphasis on local identity. This combination allows us to create a distinctive sense of place that resonates with international travellers and reflects the uniqueness of Lithuania.”
Another new feature is the zoned music concept, designed to enhance the overall shopping atmosphere and create a comfortable, immersive experience for passengers.
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