Eraman Malaysia boosted by high Chinese passenger numbers
PETALING JAYA: Eraman Malaysia, the retail subsidiary of Malaysia Airports Berhad (Mahb), has revealed high numbers of Chinese passengers are boosting business.
Eraman general manager Zulhikam Ahmad, who reported a 12% sales surge in the first quarter of 2017 compared with the same period last year.
"Even before the Thaad (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) crisis in January and February the number of passenger movements of Chinese nationals was up 28% across KLIA and KLIA2. This is riding on the back of the recovery of Malaysia Airlines," he told DFNIonline.
From a category perspective, Zulhikam said Eraman was in line with Asia/Pacific passenger growth.
"The main category drivers are perfumes and cosmetics, followed by confectionery. One of our key strategies for growth this year is to collaborate closely with our partners in each category in order to offer a better shopping experience," he said.
On the ringgit), he said: "The ringgit will be cheaper for tourists compared with foreign currency, but for Malaysians, who contribute a high proportion of our customers, products will be more expensive."
Zulhikam, who indicated Malaysians, Chinese and Indians are its top-selling nationalities, said, "We are a key contributor in terms of Malaysia Airports' non-aeronautical revenue and overall performance. My vision for Eraman is to be a significant player in the region and expand internationally within three to five years".
He also revealed the main details of an ongoing company rebrand.
"It was time to communicate better on the core value of the brand. We are looking at a new refreshed look to the brand, revamping the website, focusing on the uniform of our staff as well as having our products sold online," he said.
With lease agreements of all Mahb tenants ending in 2019, Zulhikam said: "We will most probably do a full store refresh after that. Once we have certainty in terms of Malaysia Airports' plans we will decide exactly when to do it. It will most probably be after the likely renewal of the tenancy.
"Between now and then we will do a smaller refresh and replace the assets of the brands. There will be a new look and feel for the wall-bays and gondolas. We will do that from now to early next year."
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