South Korean travel retailer Lotte Duty Free (Lotte) will take over DFS stores at Changi Airport as its key liquor and tobacco concessionaire from June 9, according to media release.

However, the renovation works of Lotte's stores at the airport has been affected by Covid-19 pandemic and will only commence in phases once the restriction measures are lifted.

Renovations to start at Terminal 1 and 3 first

The first phase of renovation works include the five stores in the arrival and departure wings at Terminal 1 and 3.

Speaking to Mothership, a CAG spokesperson said that if renovation works can commence as planned, the Lotte stores at Terminal 1 and 3 will be ready by end 2020.

However, things remain uncertain due to the Covid-19 situation.

Operations at Terminal 2 and 4 have been suspended earlier this year in May due to Covid-19.

The media release stated that the Lotte stores will incorporate "elements of nature" and feature "innovative in-store technologies".

This design concept will redefine the retail experience at Changi, with "specialised cognac brand boutique, immersive experience zones dedicated to whiskey, gin and wines, and a high-tech tasting bar".

According to Kap Lee, CEO of Lotte Duty Free, the operations at Changi Airport will be the largest among all of Lotte’s Asia Pacific operations.

Over 3,000 wines and spirits

What travellers can look forward to is the wide range of brands and products.

Lotte promises 3,000 tax- and duty-free wines and spirits, as well as special and limited edition whiskies, cognacs and exclusive labels only found in Changi Airport.

There will also be a dedicated collection of Asian spirits, highlighting brands from Singapore and Korea.

There will also be alcohol-free options in-store.

With physical stores not in operation, Lotte will first retail its products on Changi Airport's online shopping platform, iShopChangi.

Both travellers and non-travellers will be able to shop Lotte's products on iShopChangi from June 12, 2020.

Top photo from Changi Airport Group.