HOLIDAYMAKERS and business workers will have a brand new shopping destination to choose from as the first duty free in eight years opens at Teesside Airport.
A first look has revealed how passengers now have the chance to pick up perfume, cosmetics, sweets and even luxury goods after it opened on Thursday morning.
Employing twelve full and part-time staff, the World Duty Free-branded store has been years in the planning as part of the terminal building's refit.
Read more: Pictures reveal progress on new World Duty Free at Teesside Airport
This morning, the store opened its doors ahead of an influx of flights to destinations including London Heathrow, Aberdeen and Amsterdam.
Take a look below
Set over almost 1,900 sq ft, the duty-free store is located between the departure hall and the security area, occupying the old site of duty free and part of the former WHSmith.
Fred Creighton, Chief Executive Officer of World Duty Free in the UK, said: “We are pleased and proud to be part of this exciting new chapter in the airport’s story and to be able to play our part in helping to regenerate the airport and its retail offer.
"Our new tax- and duty-free store takes shopping to the next level for all passengers visiting the airport – and in time for Christmas."
The majority of work to create the duty-free has been carried out by Tees Valley firms, including Darlington-based, Wharton Construction and Powercare Electrical Services and Middlesbrough’s RTS Joinery.
It comes just days after a start date on work was confirmed for the new Sky bar and viewing platform, which is expected to open in May 2022.
Read more: Teesside Airport’s outdoor viewing area will close for good next week
Meanwhile, in recent months, firms including House of Zana and Rejoy and News Essentials have set up shop and have begun trading in the terminal building.
As it opened, the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This opening represents the culmination of a year of work to bring our terminal into the 21st century and give local people everything that they could want in a modern, easy-to-use and friendly airport.
“Don’t get me wrong, the airport will constantly be improving, with a new landside Sky Bar and viewing platform set to come soon, alongside the Bannatyne Spa and further property development to benefit businesses as well as passengers.
Read more: How Duncan Bannatyne's new spa at Teesside Airport terminal will look
“Opening this World Duty Free shop just in time for Christmas, though, is another major milestone in putting the pride back into Teesside, and it has created twelve good-quality jobs and supported some of our brilliant local construction companies in the process. If Santa’s passing through and needs some last-minute gifts, he knows where to come.
"As well as helping to boost the local economy, we’ve also been able to further support the region by creating several new jobs for local people.
"We’re really looking forward to welcoming customers to the store, as they fly out of Teesside over the festive period”.
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