[Cthulhu_]

> whereas in EU you can often buy things with a heavy discount at the airport.

I've browsed the tax-free shops in European airports, it's... disappointing. They will bump up the price from retail anyway because people assume it's a good deal, and they'll focus on premium / luxury goods one wouldn't normally buy.

I mean at the same time, you wouldn't find said premium / luxury goods on the high street either, nor an enthusiastic salesperson having you try fancy whiskeys at nine in the morning, so that's a plus on these tax free shops, lol.

[waihtis]

Granted it's a somewhat of an edge case because of the state monopoly, but at least alcohol is 20-40% cheaper at the airport in FIN airports

UK duty free (pre COVID) also seemed to be slightly better priced in contrast to high street

[Symbiote]

I think they are sold without the duty (the sin tax), but still with VAT for an EU flight. Then add on the cost to run a shop in an expensive location.

Comparing a basic Gordens gin, at Copenhagen Airport it's 6DKK (€0.80) less than at a typical supermarket, 165 vs 171DKK/litre. However, the price in Sweden is about 260DKK/litre, and I assume the target market in that airport is Swedes.

[jhugo]

It's even worse: many of the alcohol products for sale at duty free are exclusive to duty free, thus preventing any price comparison. They market this as an advantage (get a whisky you can't get anywhere else!) but at least in the world of Scotch, they're mostly no-age-statement "luxury" whiskies with far more brand than substance.