Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has agreed to acquire a 100% stake in its long-time beauty retailer Kappé starting January 1, 2024.
WHO: Kappé, under family control for 83 years, employs more than 300 staff. The company has been operating the perfume, cosmetics, pharmacy, and sunglasses shops at one of Europe’s busiest hub airports since 1950. In total, Kappé runs 15 shops at the Dutch gateway.
WHY: The deal gives the airport operator complete control of one of its most prized commercial revenue streams. Schiphol Airport operates a major joint venture with German travel retailer Gebr. Heinemann called Schiphol Airport Retail (SAR), which runs the liquor, tobacco, and confectionery categories at the airport. Heinemann has the larger stake at 60%. However, the Hamburg-based company has plenty of beauty expertise, so rolling the Kappé business into SAR’s existing operation seems a likely option.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS: Arthur Reijnhart, Director of Commercial at Schiphol, described the retailer as “part of Schiphol’s heritage,” adding, “With this acquisition, we want to strengthen and update the stores.” The airport did not divulge detailed development plans but said that it would “continue to invest in the shops and look to the future with new stores and concepts.”
Kappé’s owner Jacques Parson—who has been at the helm of the business for 36 years—paid tribute to his team over this time, saying, “To me, the employees have always been, and still are, key. Their hard work and loyalty have made Kappé what it is today: an essential household name at Schiphol. I am pleased that Schiphol will secure the future of employees and the company.”
The airport company said, “With this acquisition, Schiphol wants to further the business, continue to invest in these shops and look to the future with new stores and concepts. Continuity for the shops and for employees is key. Furthermore, Schiphol is focusing on the already initiated professionalisation of Kappé and the cooperation with commercial partners. In the long term, the acquisition will allow Schiphol to flexibly allocate the available square metres, with room for innovation and an improved shopping experience for passengers.”
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