Airport terminals will lead the way in the recovery of the global retail market in 2011 and is expected to grow by $44.1 billion according to new research.

While takings slumped 5.1% in 2009, airport retailers achieved growth of 8.4% in 2010, well above the high streets sluggish performance this year, with the Middle East and Africa seeing the fastest growth, says retail analyst Verdict.

Neither region was as badly affected by the economic downturn as markets such as Europe, Verdict comments, while the Asia-Pacific also put in a strong performance.

Driven by economic and demographic factors and a boom airport expansion, retail sales in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to grow 14% from $7.8 billion or 28.9% of the total in 2010, to $15.2 billion (34.6%) in 2015, when it will become the biggest sector in the world.

Anne Marie Davis, analyst at Verdict, commented: "There has been a recent trend towards 'boutique' stores with airports offering exclusive products. These shops do not promote by giving a free key chain but instead offer a luxurious atmosphere and customised service to add value. Examples include the Moet Hennessey stores in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Brisbane.

"Collect on return is an increasingly important strategy which has been implemented particularly well in Singapore Changi Airport where a sales assistant will take the time to discuss promotions with you, outline the collection options and take the product from you for storage immediately."

Within retail, it is beauty sales, which will be the fastest growing category and this growth will be driven by strong demand in Asia. Over the next five years Vector predicts this sector of airport retail will grow by more than 80%, while growth in alcohol and tobacco is set to slow.