Dixons is eyeing opportunities to kickstart a global expansion plan for its travel stores.

The electricals specialist is to test a new sourcing model for its travel stores in airports in Belgium and Italy before beginning an overseas push.

The Netherlands, Germany, Spain and the Middle East are among the targets on the retailer’s hit list.

Dixons chief executive Sebastian James told Retail Week that, when a merger of its Italian UniEuro business with local player Marco Polo is complete, its airport stores in Rome and Milan will operate using a new sourcing strategy.

James said: “We are learning how to do it where we are not present. If we can do it then we will look at other opportunities. Every airport needs an electrical retailer.”

James said that airport-wide retail contracts in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Madrid and Istanbul are up for tender and beyond that Dixons would look at Dubai and Delhi.

Dixons has just renewed its contract for its stores at Heathrow and Gatwick. Earlier this year, Dixons unveiled a new look travel store at Gatwick’s South Terminal featuring new play tables, refreshed branding and merchandising.

The global expansion for its travel division is in contrast to the retailer’s strategy for its main stores. Dixons is in the process of retreating from ventures in Turkey, Italy and France after battling larger players in markets with depressed economies.

James was speaking at Dixons Peak 2013 event in Birmingham yesterday at which the retailer’s store managers met with suppliers to learn about this Christmas’ new products in detail.

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