FASHION-conscious fliers are flocking to Europe’s first Lacoste polo shirt bar at Glasgow International Airport.
The pioneering feature showcases the iconic French lifestyle house’s famous sports tops, which can be purchased at substantial discounts over high street prices.
The bar is located inside the “green crocodile” brand’s new store, which sells a full range of fashions and accessories for men and women.
It is “twinned” with a Tommy Hilfiger outlet – and both were fitted out by Pacific Building Ltd, who have a track record of operating to the highest standards at airports across the UK.
The 1100 sq ft facility in the “airside” area was completed in just three weeks and is the latest in a series of airport projects secured by Pacific, who employ 32 people at their headquarters in Earl Haig Road, Hillington, Renfrewshire, not far from Glasgow International.
It also added to Pacific’s enviable reputation as a company who are able to deliver complex refurbishments in “live” public areas such as airports, hotels, restaurants, pubs and offices – right across the UK – on time and within budget and with minimal disruption to neighbouring trade.
Managing director Brian Gallacher said: “Lacoste is an iconic brand, so it’s a feather in our cap to be associated with them, and, for Glasgow Airport, they can boast not just an upmarket retail brand but a European first too.
“Together with the Hilfiger store, it appears to be proving hugely popular with the millions of people who pass through the airside area. It looks absolutely superb. The result is striking because of the extremely high quality of the fittings used. I am proud of our achievement.”
All 3.3 million departing passengers each year will pass the Lacoste and Hilfiger shops, which are located in the main concourse of the departure area, which has been revamped at a cost of £31million.
Both stores are managed by outlet pioneers McArthurGlen Luxury Retail, Europe’s leading developer, owner and manager of designer outlet villages.
Across the UK and Europe, there are numerous airport stores operated on behalf of Lacoste, whose brand ambassadors include American tennis star and grand slam winner Andy Roddick. Glasgow’s polo bar is the only one on the entire continent.
Pacific’s relationship with Glasgow Airport operators BAA is enhanced by the fact that many of their team hold “airside passes”, which means they have the experience and requisite clearance to work in airports – in airside, landside and aircraft manoeuvring areas. Furthermore, they have an office adjacent to the perimeter at Glasgow Airport.
