ATÜ’s decision to renovate its Arrivals stores was made after a long and detailed feasibility study. Increase in the number of THY destinations, as well as a change in the passenger profile also factored into this decision. ATÜ aims to provide by distinguishing its services and holding customer satisfaction as the highest priority. Store design was changed in consideration of these factors by project owner and architect Ebru Kantaşı.

MODIFICATION WITHOUT CLOSING THE STORES
During the renovation process of the Arrivals stores, business as usual continued without interruption.
Alternative sales methods were employed in order not to disrupt sales and to continue to deliver customer satisfaction.
During the modification stage of the Arrivals-3 store, the store was closed and a “Pocket Store” was opened in front of it. The operation continued 24/7 with zero sales loss. 150-200 people contributed to this process over a course of approximately 3.5 months.

THE TRENDIEST STORE: ARRIVALS - 3
The Arrivals-3 store, renovation of which started in September was enlarged from 66 m2 to 244 m2. The store, positioned as a “Premium Store,” offers a range of wines and champagnes totalling 15 thousand bottles in an area 16 meters wide and 7 meters high. In this presentation, wine cages - specially produced in order to keep the very valuable wines under the best conditions – offer customers a dazzling presentation. At the store, it is also possible to taste and get information about the products.
A special machine serves the wines without human touch at the ideal temperature and passengers can sample the wines while they listen to music inside the store and receive information from experts. Wine accessories and books are complementary factors of this service. Passengers can enjoy a pleasant 15 minutes at a gorgeous location while waiting for their luggage and having a rest. At the same time, the Arrivals-3 store is the most comprehensive cigar store in the country in terms of product variety and accessories. In addition to selected malt and aged whisky varieties, by means of the categorical renovation carried out, accessories such as purses, watches, sunglasses and Swarovski are also available for customers. The location of the Arrivals-3 store was strategically planned for those passengers who come out of passport check, do not have luggage and are in a hurry. It will surely be a popular stop, especially for professionals returning from business abroad.



CLASSIC DUTY FREE PLEASURE AT THE ARRIVALS-1 STORE
The Arrivals-1 store near the THY luggage conveyors opened on 30 November. The store, enlarged to 646 m2 from 385 m2 and constructed with a higher ceiling and a stronger air-conditioning system - has become a service point offering classic Duty Free shopping pleasure at the highest level. Also, pre-order service, available since 2002, will be open 24/7 at pre-order desks to be built here. Thus, passengers will be able to place their orders on the new web page before their flights pick them up when they arrive.
The Arrivals-2 store, located beside conveyors 1-4 for other airlines, began renovation in December. The store was modified in the same manner as the A1 store and opened at the beginning of 2010.

MORE COMMODIOUS AND BETTER LIGHTED STORES
The formats of the stores were changed as well. Especially by means of the changes made in the lighting systems, the stores were made more commodious and better illuminated. By placing more cash registers, it was intended to assist customers in a hurry in completing their shopping easier. Furthermore, again for customers in a hurry, the positioning of the products was improved. This way, the product groups were made more apparent and easy to find. By improving the air-conditioning system, it was aimed to provide a more commodious and comfortable shopping experience.
The purpose here is to give customers a break from their hurries, offering them a relaxing and unique shopping experience. Customers will also be able to keep tabs on their luggage through the new audio-visual information systems to be installed at the new stores.

“THE FIRST IMPRESSION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT”
ATÜ Managing Director Ersan Arcan stated the following about the renovations: “We have realized this work with the intention of making the guests visiting our country experience Turkish hospitality from their first moments and considering that the first impression is the most important. Ataturk Airport has a special status among the airports in the world in respect of its design and ease of usage, as well as the commercial services it offers. Especially ATÜ Istanbul Duty Free stores can be listed easily among the top six by authorities. We absolutely believe that we will improve in this rating scale after the renovations at the arrival floor.
We have noticed the interest growing about this project already from the number of press asking to visit to cover this story. Another excellent sign is the clamor by leading perfume, cosmetics and fashion accessory brands to secure a place in our stores. The fact that we have the luxury of being selective among such important brands is proof of our success. I can easily say that Istanbul Ataturk Airport stores are number one among world giants in terms of sales and high quality service presentation! When all our work is finished, we believe that our guests will find our A1-A2 and A3 stores at the Arrivals floor unique both because of their strategic locations and also their impressive appearance. The goal of our renovations has been customer satisfaction more than increase in sales. When customer satisfaction is ensured, sales increase will definitely follow anyway.”

Wine and cigar brands available at Arrivals-3 store: • The wines available at this store: France (approximately 120 varieties), California (12 varieties), Italy (60 varieties), Spain (20 varieties), South Africa (20 varieties), Australia (18 varieties), Chili (12 varieties), Argentina (2 varieties), Georgia (20 varieties) and Turkish wines. • The most expensive wine: Petrus 2002 vintage (2,490 Euros) • Cigars: Approximately 400 varieties for cigar and cigarillo products; Dominican and Cuba cigars are available. Most popular products on the Arrival floor: • Perfume – Cosmetics: 39% • Tobacco Products: 25% • Alcoholic Drinks: 24% • Sweets – Foodstuff: 11% • Accessories and others: 1%