ONE MORE THING:AT A time when a consultancy called Booz is pondering the future ownership of Shannon Airport for Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar, it is perhaps appropriate its duty-free shop is getting a €1 million facelift.
Shannon was the location of the world’s first tax-free booze and cigarettes shop in 1947.
Passengers no doubt needed a swig or two of the hard stuff before taking off on the bone-shakers of that era.
The glory days of duty-free might have faded, but the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has decided to upgrade the duty-free offering in Shannon. This includes a facelift of the perfume and cosmetics area, and the installation of a dedicated Irish whiskey store. An Irish Memories souvenir outlet, a new giftware store from Glenaran and an area devoted to Irish food are also part of the package.
DAA retail director Paul Neeson says this will “radically improve” the shopping experience at Shannon and “grow” its sales.
Booz is expected to deliver its report to Varadkar in early December on the ownership of Cork and Shannon.
The Minister plans to bring a recommendation to Cabinet before the year-end.
