Emirates Expands Travel Retail Network with 10th Emirates World Store in Abidjan
Emirates has reached a new milestone in its travel retail strategy with the opening of its 10th flagship Emirates World store in Abidjan. The launch brings the airline’s global retail presence to 10 Emirates World stores and nine additional travel retail outlets.
The airline has invested AED 174 million (USD 47.4 million) to grow its travel retail footprint and plans to introduce 29 more retail concepts in 2026, targeting a total of 48 stores by year-end.
Expanding the retail concept
Designed to integrate personalized service with interactive technology, Emirates World stores give customers access to the airline’s onboard products, cabin displays, and digital planning tools. Since 2024, the retail concept has attracted more than 1.4 million walk-in visitors, reflecting its growing role in the customer journey.
Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates, said the expansion supports greater engagement between the airline, travellers, and trade partners, while providing access to products and services through in-store consultants and digital touchpoints.
The first Emirates World store opened in November 2022 in Dubai’s Jumeirah district, serving as a model for subsequent flagship openings in London, Nairobi, Casablanca, Manila, Cairo, Singapore, Bangkok, and Riyadh. Mid-sized concept stores have also launched in Paris, Karachi, Hong Kong, Accra, Geneva, Mauritius, and Jakarta.
Further openings are planned in Athens, Rome, Madrid, Istanbul, Amman, New Delhi, Mumbai, Shenzhen, Tokyo, and Cape Town.
Localized design and immersive features
Each store is tailored to its local market, guided by location strategy, footfall trends, and customer preferences. Select locations showcase aircraft cabin elements, including First Class and Premium Economy seats, as well as the A380 onboard lounge experience.
The newly opened Abidjan store features an A380 onboard lounge and a Business Class seat display, allowing visitors to explore onboard products in a ground-based setting.
Across its network, Emirates World stores feature self-service kiosks, digital booking tools, and interactive features, including selfie mirrors with destination backdrops. Stores also retail destination-specific branded merchandise and travel accessories.
Customers can enrol in Emirates Skywards via in-store kiosks, linking retail engagement to the airline’s loyalty ecosystem. With continued expansion planned across multiple regions, Emirates is positioning its travel retail model as an integrated extension of its customer experience strategy.
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