Portview delivers flagship store for World Duty Free

04.08.2011



Universal fit-out specialist Portview Fit-Out has completed the £1.4 million fit-out of World Duty Free's flagship store at Birmingham Airport.

Designed by World Duty Free (WDF), the 20,000 sq ft store is the centrepiece of the airport's newly renovated passenger terminal. The layout is based on the company's new 'walk through' format, so is located immediately after security and seen by all of the airport's 4.5 million departing passengers each year. 

The Portview team delivered the entire fit-out in just 20 weeks, including the deconstruction of the existing unit and creation of a new, 50 per cent larger store. The project included all of the mechanical and electrical works together with bespoke lighting, joinery and decorating in line with the conceptual design. Around half of the floor space is dedicated to fragrances and cosmetics, including counters for some of the world's leading brands, which were also installed by Portview.

Commenting on the project, Andy Smith, WDF's senior retail design and construction manager said: "Portview has worked with us since 2003 and has a very good understanding of our needs and expectations. The team completed the fit-out of our store at Bristol Airport last year, which set a very high benchmark in terms of the quality and finish. I'm pleased to say that this standard has been replicated by Portview in Birmingham, resulting in a stunning shopping facility that was delivered very efficiently and within a tight timeframe."

David McGrath, Portview's contracts manager added: "We were delighted to work with WDF to deliver such a high-profile store, which will significantly enhance the retail offer at Birmingham Airport. The success of this project is testament to the strong and open relationship we have developed with WDF over the last eight years, which helped us to deliver the vision with minimum disruption."