Changi Airport’s retail sector has shown signs of recovery with SG$1.1 billion (US$823.4 million) in sales recorded last year after Singapore relaxed Covid-related border restrictions in April. 

However, concession sales last year represented just 37 per cent of sales in 2019, the last full year without border closures. Retail revenue in December was at 58 per cent of the pre-Covid levels on the back of a passenger traffic recovery to 72 per cent. 

The biggest spenders at Changi Airport are from Indonesia, India and Thailand, as the prolonged Covid-19 situation in China – its major market – caused the near absence of travellers from this market. Liquor & tobacco, perfumes & cosmetics and luxury were among the most popular product categories. 

Changi Airport recorded more than 13 million transactions during the year with an average of 35,000 transactions daily. 

As Changi Airport has seen more traffic since the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, the airport has increased its promotional activities to lure customers and enhance their shopping experience, including the ‘Be A Changi Millionaire’ campaign. 

Last year, Changi Airport teamed up with Lotte Duty Free to host the the ‘World of Wines and Spirits’ event, which brought together products from 75 brands, including Bowmore, The Macallan, Midleton, The Singleton and Penfolds. The company plans to launch the second installation of ‘World of Wines and Spirits’ this year.