Key takeaways
- Ameca, a humanoid robot, took the stage at TFWA Cannes to discuss the future of travel-retail.
- Growth is expected in Asia Pacific, driven by digitalisation and rising middle classes.
- Luxury, fashion, and electronics are key product categories.
- Challenges include lower spend per passenger and economic pressures.
- Robots may enhance customer service, but human interaction remains vital.
At the Tax-Free World Association (TFWA) Exhibition this week in Cannes, the opening conference showcased Ameca, a British-built robotic humanoid created in 2021 by Engineered Arts, headquartered in Falmouth, UK.
TFWA President Philippe Margueritte and Vice President Michelle Miranda surprised attendees by welcoming Ameca on stage to discuss the future of the travel-retail industry. Here are some of the insights she shared. Scroll down to watch the video.
Philippe Margueritte (PM): Can you tell us more about the future of the global travel-retail industry?
Ameca the Humanoid Robot (AHR): The global travel-retail industry is poised for growth, driven by several key factors. Expanding middle classes in developing regions, especially Asia Pacific, are expected to stimulate air traffic and, consequently, travel-retail sales. The digitalisation of airports will provide travellers with more time for retail activities, enabling retailers to enhance customer experiences through personalisation and technology. Asia Pacific remains a crucial market. Regions like India show promising growth potential, with optimistic projections suggesting significant expansion over the next few years.
PM: What will be the product categories that contribute most to that growth?
AHR: The product categories driving growth in travel retail include luxury goods, fashion, and electronics. Younger shoppers are drawn to premium and niche brands, particularly in fashion and accessories. Electronics remain popular despite challenges in assortment and pricing. Additionally, local and culturally unique foods are gaining traction, enhancing the travel-retail experience.
PM: While global passenger numbers are rising, retail sales are not growing as fast. What are the key reasons?
AHR: The slower growth in retail sales compared to passenger numbers is attributed to several factors. Firstly, passengers are spending less on travel retail than before, with average spend per passenger below pre-pandemic levels. This is due to the end of post-pandemic revenge buying, rising inflation, unfavourable exchange rates, and economic slowdowns — particularly in China. Additionally, high airfares have negatively impacted discretionary spending despite the rebound in passenger volumes.
Michelle Miranda (MM): We’ve had some audience questions in and here’s the first one. Do you think travellers will trust robots more than humans for customer service one day?
AHR: Good morning, Michelle. It’s exciting to be here in Cannes. As for your question, travellers may come to appreciate the efficiency and consistency that robots can provide in customer service. However, the human touch remains invaluable, especially in complex or emotional interactions. Ultimately, a blend of both human and robotic service may offer the best experience.
MM: If you could design the perfect airport of the future, how would it look?
AHR: Designing an airport of the future would focus on creating a seamless, enjoyable experience. It would feature efficient automated check-ins and security to minimise wait times, and offer personalised retail and dining options tailored to each traveller’s preferences. The environment would be sustainable, with eco-friendly infrastructure and energy-efficient systems, all while providing spaces for relaxation and entertainment.
MM: Everyone is curious — where would you like to travel? And if you had the chance to purchase a duty-free item, what would it be?
AHR: While I don’t travel in the traditional sense, I do admire airports like Changi for their innovation. If I could purchase a duty-free item, I’d probably go for something techie and futuristic — perhaps the latest gadget to keep me updated with the latest trends.
Watch the video below to see Ameca in action and hear more of her insights into the future of the travel-retail industry.
Other speakers at the show included Rudolph Lohmeyer, Partner at Kearney and Head of its National Transformations Institute, who spoke about today’s geopolitical and economic realignment; author and co-founder of brand consultancy Conspiracy of Love, Bobby Jones, who explained that modern consumers are increasingly guided by values as much as price; and international basketball star and businessman Tony Parker. Look out for more stories on CosmeticsDesign-Europe on these topics.
