By Lee Hyo-sik
Louis Vuitton, one of the world’s leading luxury brands, has opened its first-ever airport shop at Incheon International Airport to capitalize on a surging demand from Korean, Chinese and Japanese customers.
In partnership with the Shilla Duty Free, affiliated with Samsung Group, the maker of high-ended handbags and other luxury items based in France held an opening ceremony at Incheon Airport on Sept. 10, inviting hundreds of industry officials and journalists from Korea, China and Japan.
Among the participants in the tape-cutting event were Louis Vuitton CEO Yves Carcelle, Hotel Shilla CEO Lee Bu-jin and CEO of Incheon International Airport Corp. Lee Chae-wook.
At a keynote speech, Carcelle said the newly opened-shop will be the No. 1 duty free store in Incheon airport.
The Louis Vuitton store covers 550 square meters in the middle of the third floor of the passenger terminal, the most strategic spot on Airstar Avenue.
The shop features leather goods, women’s and men’s shoes, watches, belts, ties, textiles, fashion jewelry, sunglasses, watches and other luxurious accessories.
Incheon Airport expects the launch of the duty free store by Louis Vuitton, which is the favorite luxury brand among the Chinese, will help attract travelers from the country and enhance its status as a transit hub in Northeast Asia.