Tech Takes Off: How Bitmore is Powering a Smarter, Greener Future in Travel Retail.
5 minutes read
Introduction by: Peter Marshall
Travel tech is transforming, with travellers demanding lightweight, portable, multi-functional and planet-friendly products to stay connected on the go.
TRunblocked.com’s Contributing Editor Colleen Morgan talks to Bitmore CEO Hoj Parmar on how the brand is meeting evolving traveller demands, championing sustainability, and helping travel retailers unlock the full potential of tech.
Colleen Morgan (CM): Hoj, welcome to TRunblocked.com. How would you describe the current state of the High Tech category in travel retail? Has it evolved in recent years, and what’s driving that change?
Hoj Parmar (HP): The high tech segment in travel retail has evolved from a functional add-on to a curated, experience-driven category.
Let’s consider how some tech focused stores are using immersive displays, and exclusive brand collaborations. For example, the Shanghai Duty Free Smart Retail Kiosks at Shanghai Pudong Airport. The duty-free tech zone incorporates interactive digital kiosks that allow customers to explore the latest gadgets, access multilingual product information, and even request product demonstrations – all without needing staff assistance.
With ever evolving traveller needs, some retailers are focusing on travel ready devices and sustainability minded accessories. This is turning airport tech shopping into a tailored, high-margin, and engaging experience rather than a last-minute purchase stop.
CM: What kinds of tech products are today’s travellers gravitating towards, and how has Bitmore adapted its portfolio to meet those needs?
HP: Today’s travellers want lightweight, multifunctional, and planet-friendly tech that keeps them connected and comfortable on the move. Power banks, universal chargers, noise-cancelling audio, and compact travel comfort items are key trends.
At Bitmore, we’ve adapted by designing products that are portable, durable, and made from certified recycled materials. At the same time, they offer multifunctional solutions that save space and reduce waste to align perfectly with modern travellers’ needs and values.
Our pocket-sized power range includes a 3-in-1 foldable fast-charging pad that recharges your phone, iWatch, and earbuds. That’s paired with 5000 mAh plug-in powerbanks that are just as portable and planet-friendly.
CM: Tech isn’t always given the shelf space or visibility that categories like beauty or liquor receive. Should the category be demanding more attention in the airport retail environment?
HP: Definitely. Travel tech solves immediate, journey-critical needs like charging, connectivity, and comfort, making it just as essential as beauty or liquor in travel retail.
With the right visibility, it drives impulse purchases, improves the traveller experience, and showcases innovation, especially when products combine functionality with sustainability.
CM: How do you approach merchandising and in-store visibility to help tech products – especially those from smaller brands like Bitmore – stand out in such a competitive space?
HP: We prioritise clear storytelling and strong visibility through compact, eye catching displays that highlight Bitmore’s sustainability credentials and product benefits.
Traveller-friendly packaging highlights key benefits at a glance, making decision-making quick and easy. By combining strong sustainability messaging with practical, journey-relevant solutions, even smaller brands can command attention in a crowded retail space.
CM: It’s fair to say that sustainability is in the Bitmore DNA. How do you balance eco-conscious design with the fast-moving pace of tech innovation?
HP: Sustainability is indeed at the core of Bitmore’s DNA. We see it as a driver, not a barrier to innovation.
We carefully select certified recycled materials that meet high performance standards, ensuring our products keep pace with tech advancements without compromising on quality or style. By integrating ‘conscious’ design early in the development process, we create durable, multifunctional products that serve travellers’ evolving needs while minimising environmental impact.
This balance allows us to stay agile and responsible in a fast-moving tech market.
CM: And, equally important, how do you balance sustainability with profitability?
We balance sustainability and profitability by operating smarter, not charging more. We stay competitive by reducing packaging, streamlining logistics, and designing compact, durable devices that cut both costs and waste.
Sustainable options fit within our normal pricing, so travellers can make responsible choices without paying a premium. This approach ensures we remain profitable, efficient, and responsive to the expectations of eco-conscious travellers.
CM: Bitmore is also known for its giving-back initiatives. How do these values translate into the travel retail space, and how do you communicate those values to consumers?
HP: At Bitmore, giving back is central to who we are. We’re members of 1% for the Planet and support environmental and social causes in the UK and around the world. In travel retail, we share this message clearly on our packaging and displays, so travellers know their purchase helps make a positive difference.
This openness appeals to conscious shoppers, turning everyday purchases into meaningful actions and building stronger brand loyalty.
CM: From your perspective, what more can travel retailers do to support the growth and visibility of sustainable tech brands?
HP: Travel retailers can play a pivotal role by dedicating more shelf space and premium placement to sustainable tech brands like Bitmore. That enables us to compete alongside established categories through targeted marketing campaigns and storytelling, highlighting environmental and social impact which can engage travellers.
Retailers could also offer staff training to better communicate the benefits of sustainable tech products, creating a more informed and confident customer experience that drives awareness for the brands. And growth for both the brands and the retailers.
CM: What new product innovations or categories is Bitmore currently exploring to stay ahead of the curve in travel retail? Any sneak peak of your TFWA World offer?
HP: We’re constantly innovating. That means exploring new categories that blend enhanced connectivity, smarter charging solutions, and advanced travel comfort products, all while maintaining our strict sustainability standards.
For TFWA World, we’re looking forward to showcasing a range of next-generation, eco-friendly accessories designed for seamless integration with multiple devices and optimised for portability.
In addition to the products mentioned earlier, other new additions to our ‘Pocket Sized Power Range’ include two new 10,000mAh powerbanks that charge three devices at once – including your watch and earbuds – alongside new charging cables for super fast charging of multiple devices simultaneously.
We’ve also added to our travel pillow range with two new sustainable kids animal-themed pillows. They’re made from a biodegradable milk protein material which is durable and lightweight.
CM: How do you see yourself – Bitmore – in comparison to some of the bigger names in the Tech category – SKROSS, Cabeau, Go Travel and Travel Blue for example? What is your point of differentiation?
HP: They are all strong, well established travel retail brands that I deeply respect and have learned a lot from. This has enabled Bitmore to find its niche in designing and curating an ‘essentials’ tech and accessories range tailored to modern traveller needs.
We are laser-focused on the products that drive volume sales for our customers, rather than offering a vast, unfocused assortment. Our products are compact, durable, easy to use, and planet-friendly, while remaining price-competitive, making responsible choices accessible to every traveller.
CM: Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the High Tech category in travel retail and what role do you see Bitmore playing in shaping its future?
HP: We see the High Tech category growing rapidly as travellers increasingly seek smart, sustainable solutions for their journeys.
Bitmore aims to lead by combining innovation with strong environmental values, offering accessible and relevant products that enhance convenience without compromising the planet. Our goal is to make sustainable tech essentials the go-to choice for travellers worldwide, helping reshape the category into one that’s both practical and responsible.
At Bitmore, we place people and planet before profit, because we steadfastly believe true impact goes beyond the bottom line. As a B Corporation, we’re committed to impactful global contributions, and we will continue to use our business as a force of good. There is no going back.
