QATAR. Kering Eyewear has partnered with Qatar Duty Free (QDF) to open a Digital Retail Concept store at Hamad International Airport in Doha.

The Digital Retail Concept enhances the in-store experience using advanced digital technology. The 20sq m store features four digital screens that can be updated in real-time, allowing for a dynamic display of branded videos. The screens shift from a multi-brand layout to a single brand focus with ease.

The store is constructed with high-quality materials and tailored fixtures, providing a premium backdrop for Kering Eyewear collections.

It offers the luxury giant’s Maui Jim, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Cartier and Montblanc brands. Additional floor units display the full portfolio, with a dedicated gondola for Maui Jim’s relaunched Ekahi eyewear collection.

To celebrate the opening, the partners ran a screen takeover near the giant Lamp Bear sculpture in the South Node. The initial month featured Maui Jim’s international advertising campaign, followed by a three-week focus on Cartier Eyewear’s Spring/Summer 24 campaign.

“Partnering with Kering Eyewear aligns with the standards Qatar Duty Free strives for as a leading travel retailer. Eyewear is a key category for us, and this collaboration enhances our portfolio,” said Qatar Duty Free Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer Thabet Musleh.

As reported, Musleh, formerly Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice President, was promoted to Chief Retail and Hospitality Officer today (29 July). He assumes additional responsibility for Qatar Airway’s key hotel and lounge activities alongside his existing leadership of QDF’s operations.

Kering Eyewear Head of Global Travel Retail Emanuele Lasagna added: “This partnership with Qatar Duty Free to launch the first digital standalone shop in the Middle East is an important milestone.

“It showcases our commitment to innovating and enhancing luxury retail experiences. Our Digital Retail Concept improves visibility for our brands and sets a new standard for interactive shopping.”

Kering Eyewear designs, develops and distributes eyewear for 14 brands, including Gucci, Cartier, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Chloé, Alexander McQueen, Montblanc, Dunhill, Alaïa and Puma, as well as its proprietary brands Lindberg, Maui Jim and Zeal Optics.

As reported, QDF delivered record results in the financial year to 31 March, with sales turnover reaching an all-time high, up by +22% year-on-year and climbing more than +82% compared to the 2019/20 fiscal year. ✈