ABOUT US

Leading through partnership and retail excellence.With over ninety years experience of serving travellers, Nuance is one of the world's leading travel retailers. Across the globe, we work together with our partners to create innovative retail environments offering an enjoyable shopping experience for travelling consumers. Since 2014, Nuance is part of the Dufry Group.

Our travel retail stores worldwide serve more than 31 million customers every year. In addition to our extensive portfolio of duty free and tax free stores, brand boutiques and concept stores, we also provide in-flight services and operate a wholesale and distribution business, supporting the travel retail sector.

Thanks to our geographical spread, our retail expertise and our extensive distribution network, we're excellently equipped to deliver global to local approach that no-one else can.

HISTORY

Over 90 years of serving travelling consumers
Since its early days, Nuance has had an eventful history. It all dates back to 1917, when we commenced the first retail activities on board ships under the name of Ocean Trading. The company entered the world of aviation in 1955 selling duty free items on board Swissair. Since then, Nuance has grown to become one of the world’s largest travel retailers.

History

NUANCE MILESTONES

1917
Ocean Trading begins operating on board cruise ships
1955
First duty-free sales on board Swissair
1961
Our first tax free shop opens at Zurich
1974
UK debut at London Heathrow
1983
North American operations begin at Toronto
1992
Nuance is born through merger of Swissair and Crossair duty-free
1995
Nuance enters the Australian market by acquiring Downtown Duty Free & City International Duty Free
1996
Acquisition of Allders International (UK) and Island Companies (Cayman)
1998
Nuance begins operations in Asia (Hong Kong) and Turkey (Antalya)
2001
Nuance expands Asian presence into Singapore
2002
GECOS S.p.A. and Stefanel become joint shareholders
2008
Nuance launches operations in India, Germany and Chicago
2011
PAI Partners acquires Stefanel stake in Nuance
2013
Nuance introduces its new corporate identity

MISSION, VISION & VALUES

Our Mission

“To be at the heart of every journey” 
is the defining thought at the very core of our operations.

We create a sense of excitement and anticipation for our passengers when they travel through the airport. Our stores are destinations that customers look out for and return to.

We want to be an indispensable part of our customers’ journey, the essential stop they have to make.

Our Vision

To lead through partnership and retail excellence

In an ever-changing world, we are developing our business, building strong, lasting partnerships and creating innovative, industry leading retail experiences.

Our Values:

Our values provide the framework and guidance on how Nuance operates, universally, including everything from day-to-day activities to key business decisions.