Changi Airport, Singapore
Changi Airport has built its reputation not only on its indoor gardens and koi ponds, but also on a retail mix that evolves as quickly as Singapore does. At its heart is Jewel, a vast lifestyle hub connected to the terminals. While Instagrammers flock to Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, another real draw is the shopping, with Bimba Y Lola, homegrown favourite Charles & Keith and sportswear labels Fila and New Era. Global brands including Pokémon and Uniqlo stand alongside Singaporean names such as Hooga and I Love SG. The most spectacular branch of Bacha Coffee sits beneath soaring glass arches, its interiors a study in Moroccan-style maximalism. For connoisseurs and collectors, the annual World of Wines & Spirits event transforms duty-free, offering treasures such as The Macallan 72 Years Old in a Lalique decanter, limited-edition Hennessy bottles, and rare Japanese whiskies.
Lisbon Airport, Portugal
The sunshine spirit of Lisbon’s yellow trams is captured inside its revamped airport. The new Living Azulejo duty-free concept fuses Portuguese tiles, mosaic prints, cork finishes and digital landscapes. Lisbon Airport‘s showstopper is a full-sized replica of Tram 28, one of Lisbon’s most Instagrammed icons. Sabores de Portugal sells fresh pastéis de nata and Port Cellar showcases more than 230 bottles in a setting reminiscent of a traditional wine lodge. The Preloved boutique champions circular shopping with pre-owned handbags.
Zayed International Airport, UAE
The architecture of Abu Dhabi’s newly opened Zayed International Airport is a futuristic statement, and its retail follows suit. There’s the world’s first airport outpost of Presentedby, the London-born streetwear and trainer brand beloved by collectors. Open 24 hours a day, the space reimagines sneaker shopping as an immersive spectacle, and was inspired by the desert’s shifting oases. Cascading water walls, flowing sculptures and interactive digital displays create a backdrop as dazzling as the rare stock, which includes Air Jordan 1 x Travis Scott and Dior x Air Jordan shoes, as well as cult classics from Adidas. The shop was recognised with a Platinum Award at the London Design Awards, a first for an airport store. Elsewhere, Zayed’s perfume gallery spotlights niche high-end fragrances from Creed, Diptyque and Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
Sangster International Airport, Jamaica
Shopping at Sangster International Airport is all about local flavour. The newly renovated Appleton Estate airport boutique celebrates Jamaica’s most famous rum just 50 miles from where it’s distilled. Designed as an immersive space, the shop has a central tasting bar with brand ambassador hosts, interactive digital displays, and travel-retail exclusives, all overseen by Dr Joy Spence, the first woman in the world to hold the title of master blender. Elsewhere, there’s a striking central Rum Vibes area that spotlights the country’s finest spirits, and Reggae Mart’s selection of Scotch Boyz hot sauces offers the ideal souvenir of Jamaica’s heat and vibrancy.
