London Gatwick to host live Twitter QA with Head of Retail

A one-hour live Twitter Q&A will be held from 11am on Thursday 22 August with Gatwick Airport’s Head of Retail Spencer Sheen. As well as discussing all things retail, Spencer will answer questions on anything from the extensive retail development programme at the airport to future plans.

Spencer joined the Gatwick retail team in November 2011, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the industry. Previously he was Head of Property and Development Planning for Marks and Spencer. His international experience includes three years in Bangalore, India and time based in Israel and Turkey managing retail franchise accounts.

He has led the transformation of the retail scene at Gatwick over the past two years. The latest investment of £21m in the South Terminal has seen 10 new stores open in the last month including a flagship Harrods department store, along with airport ‘firsts’ for Aspinal of London and Ernest Jones.

This further enhances the mix of retail offered in the South Terminal adding to the improvements made in summer 2012, with the opening of Europe’s largest World Duty Free store. An additional 12 new or refreshed retail outlets will complete the transformation of the South Terminal departure lounge later this year.

The North Terminal has also seen significant change under Spencer’s guidance. By October 2014, Gatwick will have opened 15 new or modernised stores, which continues the momentum from milestone openings such as Jamie Oliver’s first airport restaurant last year.

Gatwick’s retail strategy has been developed with passenger feedback at the centre of its plans1. Spencer and his team work closely with all retail partners to develop a unique understanding of Gatwick’s diverse range of passengers, ensuring that the experience offered truly reflects passenger needs.

A full transcript of the Q&A session will be taken and will be available to share shortly after the live session.