Alpha Retail at Manchester Airport

Alpha Retail at Manchester Airport: "Specialist appeal

A range of specialist sectors complement the traditional categories in T2. Notes David King: 'We're about liquor, tobacco, fragrances, cosmetics, confectionery, sunglasses, watches and jewellery, accessories, handbags and small leathergoods, plus, on the periphery, electronics - and we're about brands.'

Accessories, especially handbags, are doing a roaring business from the revamped area.

King is particularly proud about the sunglasses wall (pictured above): 'It's our biggest success story of the past two years - it's blown everything else out of the water,' he enthuses. 'In fact I would be bold enough to say we are probably the best in the world.'

Prices range from �40-�210. Passengers can try all models on - nothing is on chains. 'The golden rule of retail is to get product into people's hands,' he says.

The electronics section, called AMP, is influenced by the fact that T2 also has a Dixon's store, the leading UK specialist in consumer technology. King admits a generalist retailer cannot compete directly with such an offer, so the selection is tailored to the passenger profile.

'You need a low profile lead-in purchase and we will offer a select but quality offer that offers good value,' he says.

Adjacencies are key to the success of the store. AMP is alongside the wines & spirits area; while over the other side Chanel beauty is next to designer handbags.

The open display area for handbags is doing very well, according to Alpha's Liz Bowden. 'Brands such as Guess are proving very popular,' she says.

'When you have high value products you have to give them space,' says King, gesturing towards the roomy interior of the store and t"