Latest News
Welcome to the CiR news page. We'll use this space to bring you continually updated news and information from our work and projects across the globe.
Quality and authenticity remain key for Chinese airport shoppers
Chinese travellers’ shopping needs have changed in the space of a year. On the one hand their desire for higher-quality products has increased, but equally they are less inclined to buy non-regular brands.
Revealing the light and dark sides of duty free liquor
Passengers buying alcohol in duty free are either strict with their pre-planning, or adventurous with their impulsiveness – and it all depends on which liquor sub-category they have their eye on.
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Watches and Jewellery shine bright as opportunity for trading up shoppers
New research indicates that more than half of shoppers in the Watches & Jewellery category are purchasing more expensive items than at home. Meanwhile gifting is key driver, but under-exploited by retailers.
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Incrementality and differentiation key to unlocking business traveller sales
Ever-present business travellers are more diverse than retailers might think based on a new study. Yet they share some key shopping traits: they are more likely than the average passenger to trade up – and they are impressed by a truly differentiated retail offer than they are by simple...
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Adventure-seeking Millennials crave retail engagement
Experiences are driving Millennial travel decisions and the same is true for their purchasing choices in travel retail. Detailed insight from CiR's latest research study reveals top-line conclusions for this important travelling demographic.
#SOTN18: The most thought-provoking analysis of travel retail to date
Counter Intelligence Retail have released an in-depth and incisive review of the duty free and travel retail business. The report doesn’t pull any punches in order to drive down to the all-important question: what does opportunity really look like in 2018 for both retailers and manufacturers?
The NPD Group’s Travel Retail Beauty Event to take place in Paris
CiR, travel retail’s leading intelligence company has worked with parent company The NPD Group, to host its first Travel Retail Beauty Event close to the Champs-Elysées on 7th June 2018.
The influence of the South Korean travelling shopper is rising
The South Korean duty free and travel retail industry may still be reeling from last year’s ban placed on group travel to South Korea by the Chinese government, but it has put renewed focus on South Korean shoppers.
Price slips in prominence for self-confident Chinese travelling shoppers
The role of price has become less important for Chinese travelling shoppers, according to the latest data from CiR's Chinese Tracker study.
Russian passengers return to favoured destinations and find new ones
Outbound Russian international PAX has been experiencing a well-documented period of dynamic recovery since late 2016, and 2017 saw a welcome reversal in fortunes for the country’s key international airports following double-digit declines in 2015 and 2016.
Kathryn Place to become Commercial Head of CiR
Counter Intelligence Retail, travel retail’s leading commercial development specialists, have announced that Kathryn Place will assume the position of Commercial Head effective May 1, 2018.
Israel enjoys strong start to 2018
Israel’s Eastern Mediterranean location puts it in a positive position with relatively short flight times to airports across The Middle East, Europe, Africa & some Eastern Asian countries, and as a result Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport handled an additional 1.6 million passengers in 2017....
Mexico prospers and drives strong growth in Central America
Central America has been key to growth in the Americas region in recent years. While falling short of its North American counterpart in actual passenger numbers by some margin, it has consistently topped the table in terms of growth over the last five years, registering almost a double-digit...
China-Canada air capacity moderates in 2018 but remains a key market
As reported by CiR last year Chinese travel to Canada has soared recently, driven by a self-generating blend of supply and demand as airlines continue to invest in new routes between the two countries, and more and more Chinese tourists carry on their search for new, exciting and...
Understanding the Indian traveller could be profitable on new routes
The Indian aviation industry is booming. Analysis from Business Lounge, the market data arm of CiR, shows that in the ten months to October 2017 total PAX at India’s airports was up +14.9% [based on departure and arrivals PAX data for 27 Indian airports], a growth second only to Russia among the...
Winning and losing destinations during Chinese New Year
Whilst the traditional summer months are becoming more and more important for Chinese international travel, Chinese New Year is still a big sales opportunity for the duty free and travel retail channel and next month operators worldwide will be gearing up for an influx of Chinese travellers. But...
Gulf Crisis: Six months on
The GCC is facing an unprecedented crisis amid a Saudi-led blockade of Qatar. In June four countries imposed an air, sea and land blockade on Qatar, and now, 6 months on the crisis seems no closer to being resolved.
Unlocking Africa’s duty free potential requires dedicated focus on liberalisation
Africa has long been touted as a future growth driver for the duty free and travel retail channel. But that future has not materialised. Today Africa’s share of the global $63.5bn DF&TR market remains tiny at just over 1% (2016 | Generation Research).
Egypt and Tunisia set for a reboot as travellers return
After a period in the wilderness, both Egypt and Tunisia are expected to gain back some of their lost tourist traffic in the coming six months according to exclusive analysis from Business Lounge from Counter Intelligence Retail.
Why beauty needs strategic focus in Europe
Travel retail analyst, research and category expert CiR says that a focus on beauty sales in 2018 could be a winning strategy for operators. Why? Because next year is EU-China Tourism Year (ECTY) 2018 and there are high hopes that Chinese travel to Europe will surge.
Russians back on solid international growth footing
International traffic at Russia’s biggest airports is booming once more, while the biggest markets for Russian travel are all seeing high double-digit growth.
China’s changing traveller patterns - can you keep up?
Among the top 15 markets for Chinese outbound travellers – Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Australia are set to see the biggest gains in the six months to March 2018, revealed in exclusive analysis from CiR Business Lounge.
CiR launches Traveller and Shopper segmentation study for Travel Retail’s next generation
Travel retail analyst, research and category expert, CiR launches its comprehensive Traveller and Shopper Segmentation Study for 2017.
CiR launches new insights into Indian and Russian Travellers
Making up half of the championed BRIC nations, Russian and Indian travellers are returning to consistent and strong growth, representing a phenomenal opportunity for brands and retailers in travel retail. CiR Research, the industry-leading insights provider, unlocks the prospects with these...
Low Cost travel fuels the boom in Indian airports
Exclusive analysis from CiR Business Lounge reveals promising growth in the Indian aviation market, as increased mobility and improved infrastructure sees more of the nation’s people travelling than ever before.
Russian PAX recovery continues apace….
As reported by CiR earlier this year, the turnaround in fortunes for Russia’s air passenger market has been startling. PAX numbers to May 2017 show total passenger traffic at Russian airports[1] has risen by almost 20% whilst international traffic has outpaced this, rising by 25% to just over 17...
CiR makes new appointments to meet demand for services
Following another period of sustained growth, CiR are delighted to announce further new appointments for the business.
European Border stores reveal growth opportunities
Europe’s border shopping business remains under-exploited, according to a newly completed research report by Counter Intelligence Retail (CiR). The sub-channel has a much smaller share of the duty free and travel retail (DF&TR) pie in Europe compared to other key regions such as the Americas and...
Chinese duty free opportunity in Canada greater than ever
Chinese growth at Canadian airports is easily outstripping other nationalities to create a major opportunity for duty free and travel retailers in the market, according to travel retail analyst, research and category expert, Counter Intelligence Retail.
European tourism set to rocket at Red Sea resorts this summer
Forecast international seat capacities from Europe to Egypt in the six months from June to November are set to ramp up significantly – offering new hope for beleaguered tourism and duty free businesses in resort areas in particular.
Cuba takes a knock after early promise
The rapid development in seat capacity between the US and Cuba following an Obama-led revival in relations has gone into reverse according to travel retail analyst, research and category expert Counter Intelligence Retail – and Donald Trump’s latest policy intervention is not going to help....
Sliding Chinese demand to Thailand… but outlook is improving
It is not just the South Korean duty free and travel retail market that is suffering from a dearth of Chinese travellers – Thailand has also seen falling traffic according to travel retail analyst, research and category expert, Counter Intelligence Retail, but for very different reasons.
Dufry backs Brazil’s recovery for 2017 growth in South America
This year could see some flex in the airport duty free and travel retail channel in South America as international traffic numbers at some of the region’s capital city airports continue on good growth trajectories, and contribute to healthy sales growth. With growth currently coming from...
Argentinian growth leads South American markets
Detailed research undertaken by travel retail analyst, research and category expert, Counter Intelligence Retail indicates that Argentinians may offer the brightest hope for duty free and travel retailers in the region.
Insight from American Border stores reveals exciting channel potential
With the continuing success of border stores in recent years, when other travel retail channel sales have faltered, the potential for developing this channel further are examined in a recently released report.
Russian rebound offers big boost to Dubai, Prague and Munich airports
Dubai International (DBX), Prague (PRG) and Munich (MUC) airports are benefiting from a rebound in travel by Russians – while lesser-known Minsk, the capital of Belarus, and Yerevan the capital of Armenia, have also seen a rising tide of Russian arrivals.
Gifting strategies could be key to unlocking Asian spending
With Chinese and some other Asian nationalities’ per-head spending moving off the highs seen in past years, duty free and travel retailers can still capture sales if they are prepared to invest in gifting opportunities.
‘Unique’ Chinese FIT travellers need more focus
The emergence of the Chinese FIT (free independent traveller) – typically young professionals, who are educated and affluent – is driving growth to more adventurous, off-the-beaten track destinations.
CiR Expansion: New People and Places
Following a period of sustained growth, CiR are delighted to announce a series of new appointments and a new location for the business.
Chinese continue their rush to Europe; Spain a market to watch
Despite lower per-head spending being seen by Chinese travellers in some markets, the European duty free and travel retail market is still benefiting – with Spain doubling its numbers.
CiR releases its most in-depth Chinese traveller attitudes and behaviour survey
Travel retail analyst, research and category expert, Counter Intelligence Retail has launched its largest and most comprehensive study of Chinese travellers’ attitudes to shopping in the duty free and travel retail market.
Can high conversion rates at border stores continue as more Millennials travel?
New primary research by Counter Intelligence Retail shows a very high conversion rate of 79% at Asian duty free border stores – which contrasts sharply with rates seen at airports.
CiR launches bi-monthly Chinese tracking study
Bi-monthly tracking of duty free sales trends by the Chinese: a new CiR initiative launches in March 2017. A totally new tracking study of the Chinese travelling shopper that offers essential comparative data to the industry on a bi-monthly basis.
How Chinese travel patterns are changing; Surprising Chinese surges to certain non-Asian markets
Growth in international Chinese travel outside Asia has been strongest in some unexpected places in the 12 months to October 2016, according to CiR Business Lounge.
How Chinese travel patterns are changing; Japanese and Thai airports make biggest gains
Outbound Chinese travel has tilted appreciably in favour of Japan and Thailand in the 12 months to October 2016, according to CiR Business Lounge – creating more sales opportunities for duty-free and travel retailers in key airport locations in these markets.
Asia appeals to Russian passengers
CiR investigate the upturn in Russian passenger numbers, and review the outlook for 2017.
‘Opportunity to influence three-quarters of Chinese shopper brand decisions say CiR
Exclusive CiR research into behaviours of shoppers in Asian border stores has revealed further insight into the the unique buying patterns and trends present in the channel.
Hard BREXIT and what it means for European Travel Retail
It is unlikely that Brexit will hugely affect departing British passenger numbers, CiR insight has revealed.
The end of the Bakugai boom?
With the boom in Chinese passengers at Japanese airports following the application of anti-corruption legislation came the phrase “Bakugai”, meaning explosive buying by Chinese tourists. However latest indications show this boom entering a downturn. CiR take a closer look.
Helsinki: Success in capturing the Chinese passenger and their purse
As Helsinki Airport annouces passenger growth of +4.6% in 2016, and a growth of +7.5% in Chinese passengers, CiR provide a detailed view of the airport's key passenger profile.
Shoppers in Asian Border Stores target alcohol, CiR research reveals
Exclusive CiR research into behaviours of shoppers in Asian border stores has revealed unique buying patterns and trends.
NPD group completes acquisition of CiR
As announced in December 2016, the NPD Group, a global provider of information and advisory services, has completed its acquisition of CiR.
CiR contributes to local Toy Appeal
Counter Intelligence Retail (CiR) were delighted to contribute to Minster FM's 2016 Toy Appeal, aiming to ensure that no child should go without at Christmas.
BREAKING NEWS: CiR To Become Part of Global Data Provider The NPD Group
Acquisition to bring a new approach to data tracking and insight in Travel Retail
Middle East fails to keep pace with Global recovery
Coinciding with the MEADFA 2016 Conference in Dubai, analysis from leading marketing intelligence analysts Counter Intelligence Retail (CiR) examines the state of the industry in the region, and the future opportunities.
‘On a mission… ’ CiR reveal the actions of the focused Beauty buyer
Sharing exclusive insights from CiR's series of global beauty reports, attention turns to the mission-based purchasing of beauty buyers.
Cheers! How on-trade sales can build a brand following from the Cruise market
Exclusive CiR research into the on board buying behaviour of wine, spirit and beer buyers on cruises, shows the potential brands have for acquiring new followers.
‘Cruising to new brand followers’ CiR research reveals key insights from the Cruise market
CiR research has revealed the significant opportunity that the cruise market offers brands in the American and European regions.
What makes a Chinese millennial tick? CiR research reveals key insights
CiR research shows how to be relevant to the significant Chinese millennial traveller and why travel retail must understand this vital shopper.
‘Maximise the opportunity with an engaged audience’ CiR reveals how to please Asian cruisers
Between 2012 and 2014, Asian Cruise passenger numbers expanded at an average annual rate of 34%, driven by strong annual growth of 79% among Chinese travellers. As a result, tour operators have not only expanded passenger capacity, but also tailored services to incorporate high-end shopping to meet...
‘Brazilian shoppers love the beauty category, but plan well’ CiR research reveals
Continuing the CiR review of messages shared at TFWA Cannes, we look in more detail at the insights to come from the annual L’Oréal Travel Retail press conference, and the implications for Brazilian beauty shoppers.
‘Understanding the passenger mix key to retail success’ CiR reveal
As 2016 draws to a close, CiR draw on conversations with many industry leaders in Cannes where the subject of passenger profiling frequently featured, and look ahead to actionable insights for 2017.
Green shoots of recovery for Russian passengers? CiR Insight
Building on insights shared in the TFWA Research Workshop, CiR provide further insight into the forecast for Russian Passenger recovery.
CiR reveals latest PAX trends and market outlook at TFWA Research Workshop
CiR were delighted to share key PAX insights and a new market outlook with delegates at the TFWA Research Workshop in Cannes.
Boarding now…. CiR prepare for TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes
CiR, Travel Retail's commercial development specialist, have finalised details of planned activity for 2017 and are excited to share their latest news with colleagues at October's TFWA World Exhibition.
‘Premium beauty on the high spender’s agenda’ CiR reveal
Based on studies conducted across 15 international airports in key global regions, as well as over 7,000 one-to-one interviews with beauty shoppers, the new research successfully identifies shopper profiles for the industry to focus on. It features the characteristics of travel retail’s ‘high...
CiR contribute to Research Workshop at TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes
CiR are delighted to be returning to the popular event hosted by TFWA, sharing key insights and information with the trade.
CiR To Unveil 2017 Research Plan & New Product Enhancements
CiR, Travel Retail's commercial development specialist, are delighted to announce the unveiling of their latest research and enhanced client services plan at October's TFWA World Exhibition.
‘Millennials make up their own beauty category experience’ CiR reveal
CiR has launched a series of global beauty reports, which provide a unique insight into shopper motivations and purchase behaviours across the beauty category in travel retail.
‘Men buy, women shop’ in the beauty category CiR reveal
Exclusive insights from CiR's recently launched series of global beauty reports, which provide a unique insight into shopper motivations and purchase behaviours across the beauty category in travel retail.
Latest CiR Vacancy
A fantastic opportunity to develop your career in an exciting and fast-growing travel retail intelligence business. If you are looking for a new challenge and want to join a successful, forward-thinking and growing business, then read on.
Global Beauty Reports 2016 available now
Counter Intelligence Retail are delighted to announce the launch of Global Beauty Reports. Exclusively available from CiR, this comprehensive source of Beauty Category insight is available and can be purchased now.
CiR American Nationality Report - Available now
Completing the CiR 2016 series of Nationality reports, the American nationality report brings new insight and understanding to the powerful American Traveller and Shopper in Duty Free.
A New Look For CiR Business Lounge
CiR is pleased to announce soon-to-be-launched new user modules and an exciting new look for its industry leading intelligence hub, Business Lounge.
CiR join APTRA as Associate Member
CiR are delighted to announce their recent membership of the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association.
CiR Indian Nationality Report 2016 - Available now
Joining the recently published British Nationality Report, CiR has launched the latest publication in their 2016 series with insight into the Indian Traveller and Shopper in Duty Free.
CiR British Nationality Report 2016 - Available now
CiR has launched the latest insight into the British Traveller and Shopper in Duty Free in 2016.
CiR 2016 Global Shopper Study - Fieldwork phase complete
CiR are delighted to announce that fieldwork for their 2016 Global Shopper Study has successfully completed across key international airport locations.
CiR launches industry’s first online and on demand research service
Counter Intelligence Retail are delighted to announce the launch of 'Buy Reports'. Exclusively available from CiR, the first and only source of Travel Retail insight available online can be purchased now.
CiR contribute to ACI Europe Airport Commercial & Retail Conference
CiR are delighted to have delivered a defining presentation at the 25th Airports Council International (ACI) Europe Airport Commercial and Retail Conference and Exhibition in Helsinki, Finland.
CiR European Cruise report completes Global Cruise summary
CiR has announced the availability of the latest in their Global Cruise summary reports, with an in-depth review of the European Cruise Duty & Tax Free Retail market.
CiR expands Research Team
In response to a huge demand for strategic and commercial research services, CiR have expanded the research team.
CiR launches Brand Ambassador Optimisation Tool
CiR are delighted to announce the launch of the Brand Ambassador Optimisation Tool, designed to optimise the presence and effectiveness of Brand Ambassors within the store environment.
Latest CiR Vacancies
Want to join a winning team?
These are fantastic opportunities to develop your career in an exciting and fast-growing travel retail intelligence business. If you are looking for a new challenge and want to join our successful, forward-thinking team, then read on.
CiR Guide to Category Management 2016 available now
CiR has launched their latest complimentary briefing for the industry, with a comprehensive guide to category management.
CiR to contribute to ACI Helsinki Conference
CiR are delighted to be delivering a defining presentation at the 25th Airports Council International (ACI) Europe Airport Commercial and Retail Conference and Exhibition in Helsinki from 11-13th April.
CiR eBrief on the Zika Virus available now
Powered by CiR Business Lounge intelligence, this eBrief analyses the potential impact of the Zika Virus in South America.
CiR 2016 Global Shopper Study - fieldwork underway
CiR are delighted to announce that fieldwork for their 2016 Global Shopper Study has commenced at a number of key international airport locations.
Latest CiR Vacancy
Want to join a winning team?
This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career in an exciting and fast-growing research business. If you are looking for a new challenge and want to join our successful, forward-thinking team, then read on.
CiR South American Duty and Tax Free Retail Market Report 2016 - Available now
CiR has launched a pan-region analysis of the South American market in duty and tax free retail, providing a comprehensive view of the profile and behaviour of key travelling nationalities within the region, this is a must read for all operators in this channel.
CiR contribute to ETRC Annual Business Forum
CiR were delighted to attend and present at the ETRC Annual Business Forum in Brussels in January 2016, sharing insight on 'Understanding the Travel Retail Shopper'.
Nestlé ITR utilise CiR traveller statistics to enhance brand ambassador program
Nestlé ITR have reported seeing greater levels of shopper engagement in-store after the company changed its brand ambassador strategy following analysis using latest CiR traveller statistics intelligence.
CiR launch Global Pricing Dashboards
CiR has launched an innovative pricing tool, giving users the ability to analyse pricing data from multiple airports and retailers.
CiR Nationality Holiday Calendar
CiR are delighted to share a valuable asset with our clients and partners, the 2016 Key Nationality Holiday Calendar.
CiR Celebrates 10 Years in Travel Retail - Video
CiR MD Garry Stasiulevicuis recently spoke to Charlotte Turner, Managing Editor of TRBusiness, about how the industry has changed in the ten years that CiR has been operating in travel retail. He also told TRBusiness what greater transparency of data could really mean for the future of the...
CiR North American and Caribbean Cruise Report 2015 - Available now
CiR has launched an innovative report into the Duty Free shopping channel onboard North American and Caribbean Cruise Ships. The latest in the CiR series of 'Industry Insider' reports, this focus on North American and Caribbean Cruise Travellers joins previously published research on Asian Cruise...
CiR contribute to NTRG Member’s Meeting
CiR shared insights from the leading 'Industry Insider' series of reports with an audience of members of the Nordic Travel Retail Group in Tallinn in November.
CiR State of the Nation Report - Available Now
Counter Intelligence Retail (CiR) is delighted to announce the launch of our State of the Nation Report bringing you the latest insights in Travel Retail and Duty Free.
CiR contribute to TFWA Insight and Research Workshops
CiR are excited to be taking part in the first Research Workshop to be run by TFWA in Cannes, in addition to participation in the Inflight Focus Workshop.
eBrief service now available
CiR has launched their new complimentary industry service, eBriefs.