LEADING AMERICAS OPERATORS: PARADIES LAGARDÈRE
our Dining Division after the acquisition in late 2018, and the significant wins and openings we’ve had in the dining division.” That is not to ignore the important
new retail units and brand introductions such as Estée Lauder’s MAC cosmetics and popular local brands like NOLA Couture and Fleurty Girl in New Orleans. “We’re in a position now to offer
our airport partners the very best in innovative solutions and enhancing the traveller experience,” adds Savaria. When it comes to the company’s
priorities in 2020, Savaria believes that retail and dining are equally important and that the further integration of both is a winning strategy.
The ‘best of both’ “There’s opportunity in retail and dining and Paradies Lagardère is poised to offer airport partners the best of both. We have an expanded brand portfolio in dining, and we’re also among the industry’s best in incorporating local favourite restaurants into an airport setting. “We’re offering exciting new retail
brands and are deploying self-check- out stations, which have proven extremely popular in our pilot, [and will be rolled out] in our travel essentials stores moving forward.” Another important initiative
for the company this year will be the implementation of a new ERP (enterprise resource planning) system company-wide with SAP; a multi- million dollar investment that will serve as an enabler of new technology features in the years ahead, says Savaria. Last but not least, Paradies
Lagardère is committed to continue raising the bar in terms of its ‘industry-renowned
first-class
customer service’. While it looks set to be another
strong year for Paradies Lagardère, Savaria does not discount the threat of Covid-19 and the impact it could have on their performance. As readers are well aware, the
outbreak and spread of novel coronavirus has forced numerous travel retailers to suspend their retail operations in Asia. Although the US has yet to make any official announcements of this nature (as of early March), TRBusiness asked Savaria how Paradies Lagardère is responding to the outbreak. “We are working with our airport
partners to support their initiatives to keep travellers and airport workers aware and safe, while recognising that the immediate threat here in North America is minimal. “The Atlanta and Vancouver
airports specifically asked us to develop flyers and other forms of communication to ensure employees and travellers are aware of coronavirus and what they can do to keep themselves healthy, such as good hand washing practices and staying home if ill.” TRBusiness pressed Savaria for his
business outlook for 2020 in light of the recent outbreak. “I think everyone will see some
impact initially because fewer people may be travelling. I’m confident all agencies and countries are taking this seriously and being proactive in containing the virus.” Staying on the subject of
unpredictable macroeconomic scenarios and their potential influence on the business, Savaria is
Tripadvisor at Toronto Airport.
“I think everyone will see some impact [from Covid-19] initially because fewer people may be travelling...I’m confident all agencies and countries are taking this seriously and being proactive in containing the virus.”
Gerry Savaria, Paradies Lagardère
characteristically upbeat, preferring to view obstacles as ‘opportunities’. In fact,
years TRBusiness has
in the several been
in
correspondence with Savaria, he is rarely pessimistic and this year appears to be no different. “Paradies Lagardère doesn’t see
obstacles; we see opportunities. Airports are looking for innovation, new brands and new ideas for their retail and dining programs. “Travellers are seeking more from
airports than just a stop, but better customer service and experience. “We’re ready to deliver. Our
enviable culture and dedication to excellence fuels an entrepreneurial spirit that generates the best solutions for our airport and brand partners. We’re ready to deliver to both, as well as travellers.” «
Dylans Candy Bar at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). MARCH 2020 TRBUSINESS 37
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