Make it count: Do more than just turn off the lights this Earth Hour
By Marco Passoni Earth Hour is this Saturday. Organised by the World Wildlife Fund since 2007, Earth Hour is famous for people around the world turning off lights in support of the battle against climate change. But, like so many other things, symbolic support for an issue without taking actual steps is now pointless. The […]
The UK Government’s failure to bring back tax-free shopping is not just foolish, it is bad business
By Marco Passoni The arrival of the latest budget from the UK Chancellor last week brought me a glimmer of hope: Maybe the latest UK Government would see the stupidity of removing tax-free shopping and overhaul the ridiculous decision which was taken as Brexit came into effect more than a year ago. Make no mistake, […]
Pop-ups: The art of the possible
By Marco Passoni Is there a more valuable tool for brands and retailers today than pop-ups? I would argue not, certainly in the physical space, where everyone is working hard to create added value and engage shoppers in the way that digital cannot. Our customers today want experience, innovation and engagement. Pop-up stores personify those […]
If you’re not ready for China’s travelling shoppers then you are not ready for modern travel retail
By Marco Passoni As we all know, China’s borders are open once more and the country’s much-discussed travelling shoppers are able to take to the skies once more. And it seems they are going to do so. Bookings are on the rise and experts are predicting a return to international travel in the second half […]
Creating Culture: Why products are just the tip of the iceberg for luxury
By Marco Passoni The announcement earlier this month that Pharrell Williams will become the new Creative Director of menswear for Louis Vuitton, succeeding the late Virgil Abloh, made headlines around the world. For me, and for many in the industry, it is an inspired choice. It demonstrates LVMH’s dedication to much more than simply creating […]
How to create the perfect experience for travelling shoppers
By Marco Passoni Creating the perfect impression and experience for travelling shoppers is more important than it has ever been. At 2.0 & Partners, our international team spends every day airside to ensure we understand every part of the customer experience, and how it impacts our partners’ business. Nowhere is this clearer than in our […]
Money Talks: Don’t confuse ‘Price’ and ‘Value’ in travel retail
By Marco Passoni Price is a big part of travel retail. I know there are many in our industry who would rather this was not the case and prefer to treat the issue of price as a dirty secret to be swept away and ignored, but it has been at the heart of duty free […]
Driving Relevance: Why the new Nike & Tiffany collaboration takes things to the next level
By Marco Passoni The appearance last week of the new collaboration between Nike and Tiffany filled me with joy for the luxury sector. Rumours of a partnership between the two brands, one a footwear icon and the other a jewellery brand which is shaking off its cobwebs with a series of exciting link-ups, have been […]
Q&A: Erika Giannini, Head of Strategic Mystery Shopping Italy, 2.0 & Partners
Please tell us about your journey to join 2.0 & Partners? I joined 2.0 & Partners in May 2022, with more than 15 years of experience in the retail sector. I started my career in this business as store manager during my last years of university, then I continued as Retail Area Manager Italy with […]
Sabatini Gin poised to bring a taste of Tuscan uniqueness to travel retail in partnership with 2.0 & Partners
A true Italian story of beauty and excellence, Sabatini Gin is set to make its debut in the travel retail and duty-free market, bringing a taste of Tuscany and Tuscan uniqueness to travelling shoppers. The family-owned brand is working with travel retail experts 2.0 & Partners to help drive its expansion on the global stage […]
