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The Nuance-Shoppers' Stop consortium emerged the preferred bidder to bag the Retail Duty Free Contract. Its bid got the top ranking in both technical and financial evaluations. In the technical evaluation, several parameters such as Detailed Store Design, Concept and Theme, Creative and Efficient Merchandising and Product Planning, Strategy on Customer Service, Plan on Store Operations and Logistic Management were considered. Besides, Safety, Security and Efficiency Guidelines, Overall Market Research and Information on Hyderabad market and Capital Investment to be deployed by the bidder, were also taken into account.

As per the contract, Nuance-Shoppers' Stop consortium will set up three retail stores in the International Terminal, covering an area of 2,500 sq meters. Of these 1,277 sq meters of area will be at the arrival level, 1,189 sq meters at the departures and 34 sq meters of last minute shopping at the departure level. In addition to this in the domestic terminal, there are three different formats spread over about 345 sq meters.

Nuance will introduce new innovative concepts in stores format and offering, product display and sampling and highest level of service standards which are designed to create a unique exciting experience for the travelers. And it also ensures Hyderabad's distinctive position as a place where ideas and cultures converge to create inspiring connections and energies. The Duty Free area will be a place designed to attract, inspire and encourage customers to return time and again. This is very important since the Duty Free at Hyderabad competes not with other domestic airports but the likes of Changi, Singapore, Dubai and other well established international airports.

Retail area in the international airport will have a contemporary Duty Free and Duty Paid shopping. It will be retailing some of the best international brands and products ranging from perfumes, cosmetics, fashion accessories, confectionary, destination products, apparel etc.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. T Srinagesh, Chief Operating Officer, GHIAL, stated: "We are happy to collaborate with a reputed Operator like the 'Nuance-Shoppers Stop consortium'. Duty Free being an important component of passengers experience in the airport, this collaboration will be a key step in the endeavor of GHIAL to establish our airport to international standards."

Mr Roberto Graziani, President & CEO, The Nuance Group, said: "We are highly pleased to have been awarded this seven-year contract to operate in Hyderabad International Airport, which is our second foothold on the Indian sub-continent. India is one of our key markets for future expansion, and with our partner Shoppers' Stop Ltd. and these two high-profile contracts we are ideally set to benefit from the extraordinary growth potential this market offers."

The MD of Shoppers' Stop, Mr B S Nagesh, said: "The awarding of this contract to us proves the confidence the new airport has in the capabilities of the Nuance-Shoppers' Stop joint venture. We believe our customer- centric approach towards retailing will bring in the best of modern retail at Hyderabad airport, creating a unique shopping experience for the Indian as well as the international traveller."