Gebr Heinemann and Highsnobiety have formed a joint venture, opening their first permanent Gatezero store, at Copenhagen Airport.
The cooperation between the long-standing travel retail specialist and the streetwear blog, media brand and production agency began 18 months ago with a pop-up store by Highsnobiety at Zurich Airport.
On 13 May, Gatezero opens at Copenhagen Airport, the joint venture having secured a five-year contract. The shop is 32m2 and offers a mix of global and local fashion brands. The focus is on private label collaborations, accessories and some footwear. In addition, Gatezero will introduce brands that are new to travel retail such as Comme Des Garçons and Acne Studios.
“Gatezero is a place where creative and cultural pioneers can intersect on their journeys. As a constantly changing and ever adapting hub for brands, product, and storytelling, Gatezero stores are, on their own, a travel destination,” said Victor Chan, co-managing director of Gatezero.
The idea of a long-term cooperation between Highsnobiety and Heinemann was developed by the latter’s vision hub, known as Gharage. Lennard Niemann, its managing director, said: “New target groups are constantly evolving at airports. In particular, the new luxury consumer, on whom Highsnobiety focuses, is gaining importance in many markets.
“To reach these target groups we needed more than one retail concept and we also have to find new ways to address the travellers and to communicate with the shoppers. This is why Gharage, together with Highsnobiety, created the concept of a permanent new luxury destination at airports.”
Heinemann will be responsible for operations and Highsnobiety for the creative and brand input. In autumn 2022, the Gatezero concept will be rolled out at select premium airports worldwide.
