Qatar Duty Free Continues its Streak as Travel Retail Leader with Latest Addition of Stone Island at Hamad International Airport
In a move that solidifies its position as a trailblazer in the travel retail industry, Qatar Duty Free has welcomed the latest addition to its esteemed list of luxury brands - Moncler-owned fashion label, Stone Island. The brand's first airport pop-up in the Middle East region is now open at Hamad International Airport, further showcasing QDF's commitment to offering travelers a diverse and unique retail experience.
This strategic move comes on the heels of another highly anticipated launch, Pop Mart, which made its debut at the airport in October with great fanfare. The brand's return to the Top 20 of the Lyst Index, reflecting real-time consumer behavior through searches, sales, and social media engagement, is a testament to its enduring popularity.
Stone Island's surge in demand can be attributed to the "halo effect" of Oasis's reunion shows, which have garnered mainstream attention. The British band's Liam Gallagher has been a long-time fan of Stone Island and became the face of the brand's Autumn/Winter campaign in 2024, cementing their link.
The airport pop-up space is minimalist in design, focusing on innovation and fabric research. It features key ranges from the main line to the Ghost sub-collection, as well as the brand's denim research program. The pop-up's industrial aesthetics and utilitarianist approach create a recognizable signature look that reflects Stone Island's commitment to functionality and experimentation.
Moncler's ownership of Stone Island since 2020 has raised the label's profile through various initiatives that reinforce its unique identity. This latest addition to Hamad International Airport is no exception, with other high-end fashion brands such as Chloé, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Pucci, and Valentino surrounding it.
According to Augusto Deymonnaz, vice president of marketing and communications at Qatar Duty Free, the retailer's approach to travel retail must evolve to stay relevant. "If we continue to rely on older models—safe, slow, conservative—we risk losing relevance," he said. "We need to reclaim our role as the place where travelers discover what's new."
With Hamad International Airport processing 52.7 million passengers last year, a 15% year-on-year increase driven by expanded airline partnerships and increased tourism to Qatar in 2024, QDF's move is poised to capitalize on this growing demand for luxury travel experiences.
In a move that solidifies its position as a trailblazer in the travel retail industry, Qatar Duty Free has welcomed the latest addition to its esteemed list of luxury brands - Moncler-owned fashion label, Stone Island. The brand's first airport pop-up in the Middle East region is now open at Hamad International Airport, further showcasing QDF's commitment to offering travelers a diverse and unique retail experience.
This strategic move comes on the heels of another highly anticipated launch, Pop Mart, which made its debut at the airport in October with great fanfare. The brand's return to the Top 20 of the Lyst Index, reflecting real-time consumer behavior through searches, sales, and social media engagement, is a testament to its enduring popularity.
Stone Island's surge in demand can be attributed to the "halo effect" of Oasis's reunion shows, which have garnered mainstream attention. The British band's Liam Gallagher has been a long-time fan of Stone Island and became the face of the brand's Autumn/Winter campaign in 2024, cementing their link.
The airport pop-up space is minimalist in design, focusing on innovation and fabric research. It features key ranges from the main line to the Ghost sub-collection, as well as the brand's denim research program. The pop-up's industrial aesthetics and utilitarianist approach create a recognizable signature look that reflects Stone Island's commitment to functionality and experimentation.
Moncler's ownership of Stone Island since 2020 has raised the label's profile through various initiatives that reinforce its unique identity. This latest addition to Hamad International Airport is no exception, with other high-end fashion brands such as Chloé, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Pucci, and Valentino surrounding it.
According to Augusto Deymonnaz, vice president of marketing and communications at Qatar Duty Free, the retailer's approach to travel retail must evolve to stay relevant. "If we continue to rely on older models—safe, slow, conservative—we risk losing relevance," he said. "We need to reclaim our role as the place where travelers discover what's new."
With Hamad International Airport processing 52.7 million passengers last year, a 15% year-on-year increase driven by expanded airline partnerships and increased tourism to Qatar in 2024, QDF's move is poised to capitalize on this growing demand for luxury travel experiences.
Just read that Qatar Duty Free just added Stone Island at Hamad International Airport 
️ and I am so down 
! 
Their pop-up shop is all about innovation and fabric research 
, it's like a lab for fashion scientists 
! 
And can you believe Liam Gallagher is the face of Stone Island? 
his cool factor is already bringing in the crowds 
. Qatar Duty Free knows how to bring high-end fashion to travelers on-the-go 
and I'm loving this addition to their luxury lineup 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good halo effect? Liam Gallagher's endorsement of Stone Island has definitely brought attention to the brand... I just wish our school's fashion show could be that epic 
!
plus with stone island joining their list, it just proves that luxury shopping at airports can be a real winner for both travelers and retailers 
the industrial design vibes of the new pop-up space are also really inspiring 
they're really pushing the boundaries of what you'd expect from an airport store, like that minimalist pop-up design and all that fabric research stuff 
it's a total game changer for luxury travel retail 
he's right, we can't just stick to what's safe and slow when there are so many new brands and trends emerging all the time
like, what do you think? is the benefits of having a more established owner outweighing the loss of that individuality?
can't wait to check it out when i'm flying through doha soon!