The company Unifree Duty-Free has created state-of-the-art shopping opportunities at the heart of the terminal of Istanbul Grand Airport (IGA). The sales are run by Unifree covers 56,000 m2. Since the airport was opened in 2018, 54 brand, concept, and flagship stores have moved in. A further 102 sub-operators, exclusive boutiques, and a bazaar with local products round out the offer.
An electronic customer profile, shopping analytics, and an online pre-order shop support the shopping concept. Travelers’ needs can thus be captured digitally resulting in the presentation of personalized offers. Enhanced digital signage systems give customers the opportunity to virtually try on luxury watches, jewelry, and suits before they decide whether to buy or not.
This kind of technology-based shopping experience requires a seamless Ethernet/IP infrastructure throughout as well as reliable data coverage. Unifree Duty-Free selected R&M as a supplier because the cabling offered fulfilled the required specifications exactly. R&M had already equipped the airport building with a structured Cat. 6A cabling and 15,000 network ports.
A 300-meter long curved LED facade follows the walkway through the duty-free zone at Istanbul Grand Airport. The LEDs visualize an animated picture of the Bosporus. Image: IGA
Osman Ayhan, Director of Information Technology at Unifree Duty-Free, says: «R&M is characterized by its quality, innovation, fast delivery times, expertise, flexibility, and modular products.» He also sees the team spirit at R&M, the back-office support, and the special training of installers on-site as a definite advantage.
The airport’s IT department had recommended R&M as a cabling partner. Osman Ayhan confirms: «R&M provides the optimal network technology for airports and large retail areas.»
Alongside comprehensive data transmission with 10 Gigabit Ethernet, the cabling supports numerous screens as well as digital and multimedia applications in the duty-free zone. Office workstations, Voice-over-IP telephones, payment, and security systems are also connected.
The customer Unifree Duty-Free
The operator of the world‘s largest duty-free zone at the new Istanbul Grand Airport aims to provide a breathtaking shopping experience. Unifree Duty-Free relies on high service quality, selected brands, and particularly polite personnel. The Turkish company has been operating duty-free shops at airports since 1984, some as co-operation and management partners. It is majority-owned by the German trading company Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG, which operates duty-free zones and shops at 78 airports in 28 countries.