Spending time, spending money: passenger segmentation in an international airport

Citation

Freathy P & O'Connell F (2012) Spending time, spending money: passenger segmentation in an international airport. International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, 22 (4), pp. 397-416. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593969.2012.690778

Abstract
Changes within the air transport sector have required many European airports to either develop or expand their commercial activities. Strategies have included the expansion of retail space, a broadening of the tenant and merchandise mix and the development of a passenger segmentation strategy. This paper explores the efficacy of this approach by identifying the behaviour of different passenger segments while in an international airport. Using a framework of strategic market segmentation, it identifies how travellers allocate their time having entered 'airside' and details any purchases made. Using observational research and a face to face quantitative survey, 301 passengers were tracked and interviewed. Through a broad based, a priori form of segmentation, significant differences in shopping behaviour are identified. Such findings assist with the development of the airport's commercial strategy and allow a number of observations to be made about the value of market segmentation from both a theoretical and managerial perspective.

Keywords
Retail; Airports; Commercial Strategy; Consumer Behaviour; Market Segmentation

Journal
International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research: Volume 22, Issue 4

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