I went to Tegel Airport the other day to pick up my girlfriend Antonia – she had just been away on a three-day shopping trip to London with her friend – and there she was, coming towards me loaded down with shopping bags. Perfume, books and shoes – all in plastic bags from London Airport. My good woman had obviously made a last-minute haul before boarding the plane.

You see, what my little darling loves even more than flying is called “non-aviation” in airport jargon. And that’s something we’ll have plenty of at the future BBI. We plan to make almost half of our total turnover with it, in fact, based on the assumption that each passenger will spend about 11 euros at the BBI – on a coffee, a bit of holiday reading or perhaps a souvenir for Auntie Pat. I’m no clairvoyant, but I am certain that Antonia will love the BBI marketplace. Beyond the security checkpoint, the motto will be very much “Shop till you drop!” as the Brits say. Clothes shops selling international brands, regional products, fashion, watches, jewellery – there’s bound to be something for everyone there.

Incidentally, retailers still have the opportunity to apply for a space in the marketplace. Berlin Airports started the selection procedure for tenants today. Setting up shop here is certainly worthwhile because an airside location can give you 3-4 times the productivity you get in a city centre. So what are you waiting for? Secure your spot now!

print version berlin-airport.de (Copyright Berliner Flughäfen)