Scaling its specialized global aviation retail footprint, transport and logistics leader GEODIS has officially expanded its long-term partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail. The strategic expansion shifts complex warehousing, high-volume order fulfillment, and time-critical deliveries for new airport and Duty-Free boutiques at two major international hubs: London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in the United Kingdom and Auckland Airport (AKL) in New Zealand.

The development showcases the growing corporate demand for asset-light logistics models capable of operating flawlessly within heavily secured, customs-controlled airport environments.

Customs Integration and Multi-Hub Flight Replenishment

The synchronized multi-hub operation is engineered to navigate distinct national customs regulations while keeping retail shelves stocked:

  • London Heathrow (UK): GEODIS is supporting the market launch of Lagardère's Travel Essentials business, managing logistics for four high-footfall RELAY stores located deep within the custom-controlled secure zone. Replenishment cycles are driven by a dedicated, on-site airport warehouse to guarantee continuous stock availability.

  • Auckland Airport (New Zealand): The operational blueprint deploys daily stock transfers six days a week to five sprawling Duty-Free retail zones, featuring multiple delivery windows each day to match surging international flight schedules.

  • Massive SKU Diversity: At the Auckland hub, the supply chain network manages, sorts, and optimizes an intricate assortment of more than 13,000 active SKUs spanning luxury fashion, alcohol, tobacco, packaged specialty foods, cosmetics, and perfumes.

Advanced WMS Architecture Driving Strict Compliance

Operating commercial supply chains within airport boundaries requires precision data management. To secure retail flows without triggering security delays, GEODIS has anchored the entire operation onto a unified Warehouse Management System (WMS) featuring real-time SAP software integration.

This digital layer manages continuous cycle counting and high-accuracy inventory traceability. The automated tracking system is custom-configured to guarantee permanent compliance with complex New Zealand airport security protocols, local value-added tax (VAT) exemption frameworks, and strict excise duty rules.

Fourteen Years of Cross-Border Collaboration

The new western and oceania deployments build directly upon a 15-year commercial relationship between the two companies. GEODIS already manages end-to-end bonded warehousing and distribution networks for Lagardère’s maritime retail operations at major ferry terminals in Singapore. Additionally, within Europe, the provider runs green last-mile distribution fleets utilizing 100% electric vehicles (EVs) to replenish RELAY outlets across Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports, as well as central metropolitan rail stations.

Commenting on the dual-airport expansion, Laurent Melaine, Executive Vice-President of Sales, Marketing and Communications for the GEODIS Group, stated:

"The range of service that GEODIS will provide for the stores located in airport zones with high footfall illustrates the trust that Lagardère Travel Retail has placed in us built up over our 15-year partnership together. We continue to develop robust, reliable, and scalable logistics solutions for Lagardère."