Unifree partners with R&M for digital shopping experiences at world’s largest duty free zone
Unifree Duty Free

Unifree partners with R&M for digital shopping experiences at world’s largest duty free zone

To deliver innovative new digitally-driven shopping experiences that enhance the convenience and safety of travellers, Unifree Duty Free, the operator of the world’s largest duty free zone, has implemented state-of-the-art retail technologies at the new Istanbul airport. These solutions – which rely on a cutting-edge network infrastructure from Swiss structured cabling specialist, R&M, include three-dimensional holograms, enhanced digital signage systems and touch-free digital shopping technologies.

Offering an example of how its technology innovations strongly position Istanbul Grand Airport to ensure the safety and well-being of the 90 million travellers expected to visit the Duty Free zone annually, Osman Ayhan, Director of Information Technology at Unifree Duty Free, said: “Enhanced digital signage systems give customers the opportunity to virtually try on luxury watches, jewellery and suits before they decide whether to buy or not.” This touch-free experience will be especially important to travellers in the post-COVID world.

Global events at the start of 2020 have resulted in a spike in digital payments with the total transaction value in the digital payments segment projected to reach US$4.4. trillion this year. As retailers see a surge in digital and contactless payments, the high-performance network from R&M will enable retailers in the Duty Free zone to offer these options in a reliable and highly secure manner. Other systems that are vital to smooth operations and traveller safety such as office workstations, Voice-over-IP telephones and security systems, are also connected to the R&M cabling network.

Ayhan explained that the decision to partner with R&M was based on a highly positive recommendation from the airport’s IT department which has itself utilised 5,400 km of copper cablings and 3,270 km of fibre-optic cabling from R&M for connectivity of critical airport IT systems.

“We are extremely proud to expand R&M’s footprint at the world’s largest airport. Unifree has demonstrated a commitment to pioneering the new digital shopping experiences that will be essential to travellers in the coming months and years. The technologies we have provided serve as a reliable platform on which the company can continue to innovate with confidence in the performance, security and reliability of the underlying systems,” said Nabil Khalil, Executive Vice President of R&M Middle East, Turkey and Africa.

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