| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 28/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 25 |
| Copyright: Other |
Goods campaign
Designer trends help P&0SL claw back lost sales
Report by TANYA JEFFERIES
P&O STENA Line claims a trend towards buying designer label goods on its ferries is helping it claw back revenue following the loss of duty-free last summer.The company is seeing an increase in sales of designer clothes and perfume in on-board shops during Dover-Calais crossings, according to a spokesman.
“Sales of designer clothes are particularly strong at the moment,” he said.
“People going on holiday are in a good mood and they want to treat themselves. If they find a brand with a good name at a cheaper price, they will buy it.”
The abolition of duty-free has meant much lower profit margins on alcohol and tobacco sales and has prompted an overall fall in passenger numbers.
However, P&OSL has launched a campaign to promote the savings that are still available in its on-board stores.
DKNY and Emporio Armani sunglasses are half the price they are usually sold for in the UK and brand name sun-care products have been discounted by 15%.
Other offers include four cases of Foster’s lager for £44 plus a free trolley; 24 cans of Stella Artois for £11.95; and a £4 discount off a bottle of Glenmorangie malt whisky.
Meanwhile, P&OSL has started selling a range of motoring products that are compulsory for people driving in France.
It is illegal for motorists to travel without items like warning triangles, headlamp adaptors and GB stickers.
However, a recent survey on a P&OSL ship showed that half the drivers on board did not have them.
Cashing in: passengers are keen to shop for discounted designer products