United Kingdom Travel Retail Market Forecast 2025-2032
The United Kingdom travel retail market is expected to reach $6.32 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.16% during the forecast period, 2025-2032.
The United Kingdom travel retail market is experiencing notable growth, driven by increasing international and domestic travel. According to industry sources, as of September 2024, there were 130.9 million arrivals to the United Kingdom, with British nationals accounting for 55% of these arrivals.
MARKET INSIGHTSThis influx of travelers is contributing to the continued expansion of the travel retail sector, with airports becoming key retail hubs for both international visitors and domestic travelers. The presence of major global brands and the development of new retail concepts are helping to meet the growing demand for duty-free and premium shopping experiences in the country.
In December 2024, Lagardère Travel Retail United Kingdom & Ireland expanded its retail presence at London Stansted Airport with the launch of the MINISO-GO concept, marking the brand’s first store in a United Kingdom airport. This development highlights the increasing diversification of retail offerings at airports, with a focus on attracting a wide range of consumers.
Additionally, UK-based fashion accessories brand Accessorize London is planning to launch between seven to ten stores annually in India over the next three years, aiming to expand its footprint in the country’s travel retail market. This international expansion reflects the growing importance of travel retail as a channel for global brand presence.
The United Kingdom also continues to be a key market for premium and niche products in the travel retail sector. Two Stacks, an Irish whiskey brand, has partnered with Avolta’s World Duty Free to showcase its key expressions, The Blenders Cut – Cask Strength and Double-Distilled Peated Malt, in 26 UK airports.
This partnership highlights the growing trend of offering unique, high-quality products in the travel retail space, catering to travelers looking for exclusive and premium items. The inclusion of complex cask-strength whiskeys and carefully crafted peated malts is an example of how the United Kingdom travel retail market is adapting to evolving consumer preferences for distinctive, high-end products.
SEGMENTATION ANALYSISThe report on the United Kingdom travel retail market includes a segmentation analysis based on product type and distribution channel.
Market by Product Type:
• Fashion and Accessories
• Jewelry and Watches
• Wine & Spirits
• Food & Confectionery
• Fragrances and Cosmetics
• Tobacco
• Other Product Types
Market by Distribution Channel:
• Airports
• Railway Stations
• Other Distribution Channels
Inkwood Research’s report on the United Kingdom travel retail market provides in-depth insights as well as the market’s segmentation analysis. The detailed evaluation of the market includes PESTLE Analysis, Market Maturity Analysis, Market Concentration Analysis, Key Buying Criteria, and Competitive Landscape.
COMPETITIVE INSIGHTSSome of the top companies operating in the United Kingdom travel retail market include Lagardère Travel Retail Group, WH Smith Plc, World Duty Free UK (Avolta AG), etc.
Lagardère SA is a leading international group with operations spanning over 40 countries. Lagardère focuses on two core divisions: Lagardère Publishing and Lagardère Travel Retail. The Lagardère Publishing division encompasses a wide range of genres, including books, digital content, and educational materials, serving readers across global markets.
The Lagardère Travel Retail division operates a network of retail outlets, primarily located in airports and railway stations, offering diverse products such as books, luxury goods, duty-free items, and convenience essentials. The company was established in 1992 and is headquartered in Paris, France.
Please Note: Report includes PDF + Excel