Airport shopping is one of the fastest growing retail sectors after online sales, a research group has claimed.
In a report from August 2008, Verdict Research predicted that sales at airport shops would grow 11 per cent by the end of the year, with total annual spending expected to reach $30 billion (£16.1 billion).
Following on from the research, lead analyst at the company said that the airport retail industry differs from normal high street retail "because you've got a captive audience".
"Their behaviour in the airport is not going to be affected by external factors which put off shoppers from shopping on the high street," he claimed.
He added that while that the current economic crisis is bound to have some negative effects on the sector, it is unlikely that it will be as hard hit as other areas of spending such as high street sales.
Further research from Verdict claimed that over the next five years, retail as a whole is likely to grow considerably, with particular development in emerging economies forecast.
InsureandGo offers
travel insurance protection for those wanting to make sure their purchases are protected.