Estée Lauder opens a distribution center for travel retail in Switzerland

"As travel retail rebounds, in the wake of tourism recovery, the Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) is opening a new, state-of-the-art distribution center located in Galgenen, Switzerland."

The premises will accommodate the dynamic and future growth of the group’s global Travel Retail business.

This new 300,000 square foot (about 28,000 sqm) facility is equipped to support the forecast growth of sales in duty-free environments including airports, downtown locations, airlines, cruises, and border shops.

“Travel Retail continues to demonstrate its resilience. We remain extremely confident in the channel for the long-term, especially as travel restrictions ease globally and people start traveling again,” said Fabrizio Freda, President, and Chief Executive Officer, of The Estée Lauder Companies.

Travel Retail accounted for 28% of ELC’s sales in the fiscal year 2021.

“As we look to the future, this investment here at Galgenen is a testament to our belief in the long-term growth potential of this channel and that by investing in these capabilities and with our retailers, we can capture the next generation of growth in this dynamic, prestige marketplace,” highlighted said Israel Assa, Global President, Travel Retail Worldwide.

“Galgenen will serve as a cornerstone of The Estée Lauder Companies’ agile, global fulfillment network,” added Roberto Canevari, Executive Vice President, Global Supply Chain. “This distribution center will not only significantly enhance our capacity but enable operational efficiencies, speed-to-market and resiliency through innovative, highly automated equipment and technologies. Additionally, we are proud that Galgenen is also a shining example of ELC’s commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability.”