Rick Caruso Endorses Shilla-ARI's Bid To Operate Duty Free Concessions At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LOS ANGELES, May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rick J. Caruso, CEO of Caruso Affiliated, announced today that he will endorse Shilla-ARI, a joint venture between The Shilla Duty Free, the hospitality arm of the global Korean conglomerate Samsung, and AerRianta International (ARI), the international airport retail company owned by the DAA, in its bid to operate the duty free retail shops in nine terminals in Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The deal, which includes the highly sought after Tom Bradley International Terminal, will encompass an excess of 37,000 square feet of commercial space servicing nearly 62 million passengers annually.

Top-tier customer service with highly- personalized experiences at concentrated touch points throughout the airport will be a cornerstone of Shilla-ARI's approach to the LAX operation. Robust staffing is critical to its execution and is expected to generate significant job growth for the City of Los Angeles.

"After having deep conversations with Shilla executives and a recent trip to Korea to meet with Shilla's esteemed CEO, Lee Boo-jin, I can say with confidence that Shilla-ARI is a world-class organization whose commitment to the people of Los Angeles parallels their commitment to excellence in business and service," said Rick Caruso. "In addition, I am highly impressed by their efforts to create jobs and support our community through philanthropy and their performance during the last several years, especially their knowledge of the Asian customer, which is why they are the right partner to cement our global reputation as a must-see destination for any traveler entering the United States."

This endorsement follows Shilla-ARI's recent philanthropic commitments to The East Los Angeles Community Union (TELACU) and the Fashion Group International, Inc. – Los Angeles (FGILA), a global non-profit.  Through TELACU, Shilla-ARI will provide comprehensive job training internship and financial resources for members of the regional community who are interested in pursuing careers in the airport travel retail industry. Their work with FGILA will consist of promoting L.A.'s unique culture by displaying the work of local designers in prime space throughout LAX. 

Caruso has also announced that his company, Caruso Affiliated, is finalizing a global strategic alliance with Shilla-ARI to provide an economic boost to the city and deliver unparalleled experience in hospitality and customer service for people living in or traveling to L.A.

"What Mr. Caruso has established at the Grove and the Americana is a clear indication that our high standards are aligned," said Kim Cheonghwan, Executive Vice President of The Shilla Duty Free. "We want global travelers to know that anyone who partners with Shilla will provide the same level of excellence synonymous with our brand – and we know that a partnership with Caruso Affiliated will give us that assurance. We are eager to explore how our organizations can work together to drive tourism and deliver the best-in-class service both of us are recognized for around the world."

About Caruso Affiliated

Caruso Affiliated is one of the largest, privately held multi-billion dollar real estate portfolios in the United States and attracts tens of millions of visitors each year.

SOURCE Caruso Affiliated

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