New shops, expanded stores selling high-end brands and local products
Indianapolis, IN, 2019-Jan-21 — /Travel PR News/ — The Indianapolis Airport Authority Board approved five new contracts for specialty retail and services vendors today (Jan. 18, 2019) during the IAA’s monthly board meeting at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND). These contracts are the first round of approvals the Indy airport will make as part of its Concessions Refresh initiative that launched in 2016 to address the pending expiration of 43 existing retailer, services, and food and beverage locations. The new retailers will provide a mix of national and local brands, many of which will feature locally sourced products in their stores, reflecting the culture and community of Indianapolis and the state, all focused on elevating customer experiences at IND.
The five retail groups were chosen from a field of 16 entities that responded to the Indy airport’s solicitation and represent some of the top trending national, regional and local brands. Today’s announcement impacts 23 retail and services locations in the terminal, some with expanded storefronts that exist today, and others new construction.
The new retail contracts represent a 45-percent increase in local sourcing of products grown or produced in Indiana, a 40-percent increase in retail concepts that represent the Indianapolis culture, and a 92-percent increase in diverse business participation.
“We’ve been talking about the Concessions Refresh with the community and hundreds of diverse business vendors for more than two years, and today is the next big step in significantly enhancing a sense of place at the airport and elevating our guests’ shopping experience in the terminal,” said Indianapolis Airport Authority Executive Director Mario Rodriguez.
Five of the retail locations are anticipated to open around the fourth quarter of 2019. Construction projects will begin on or before the second quarter of 2019. The Concessions Refresh initiative will include a phased three-year construction plan ensuring airport passengers and guests have access to the products and services they need while traveling.
Nationally Recognized Concepts and Local Products
Hudson Group will open a total of four news and convenience shops in Civic Plaza, Concourse A and Concourse B, with two headlining Indiana themed names and designs and all featuring locally crafted goods and products. There will also be a retail bookstore in Concourse A featuring a wide selection of books, newspapers, magazines, and gifts.
Additionally, Hudson is bringing nationally recognized stores, such as Tumi featuring high-end luggage, handbags and travel accessories and Vineyard Vines with casual and professional men’s and women’s clothing. Tumi will be located in Concourse B in a newly constructed space, and Vineyard Vines will be located in Concourse A.
To provide passengers with a unique travel experience and tech essentials, Hudson also will open Tech on the Go in a newly constructed space in Concourse B with a virtual reality/gaming station and a FAO Schwarz shop in Civic Plaza to offer passengers the ability to shop for toys in an “experiential” and iconic space.
Paradies Lagardère will open three news and convenience shops that will offer locally crafted goods, two of the stores will be Indiana themed, Fountain Square Market and Mass Ave Essentials. Paradies Lagardère will also offer passengers the opportunity to buy athletic gear, electronics, jewelry and beauty supplies with additional shops. No Boundaries, located in Concourse A, will offer men’s and women’s sports clothing from nationally recognized brands. Esavvy/The Scoreboard will offer gaming and electronic products, as well as sporting attire from professional teams, this store will be located in Concourse A. MAC, a top cosmetic brand with a variety of beauty products will open in Concourse B. Brighton offers passengers men’s and women’s accessories, and are known for exquisitely crafted handbags and jewelry among an extensive product offering. Brighton will also be located in Concourse B in a newly constructed space.
Existing Local Brands and Expanding Stores
Just Pop In!, a locally owned and operated gourmet popcorn shop, will enhance their current location in Concourse B to include a bubbles bar that will feature popcorn and wine pairings. JPI will also offer two kiosks in Concourse A and Civic Plaza to offer more passengers their creative collaborations with gourmet popcorn and local flavors such as Sun King Brewery and Smoking Goose.
Another local and long-standing airport service provider, Enroute Spa, will enhance their two locations in Concourse A and Concourse B. The Concourse A location will include a comfortable lounge area for customers to charge their devices and store their luggage while waiting for services to begin. The Concourse A location will expand to offer a full spa menu. Enroute Spa is a locally owned and operated spa that includes massages, manicures, pedicures and other upscale salon offerings and products.
Natalie’s Candy Jar will move from their current location to open new stores in both Concourse A and B. The store designs will feature iconic Indianapolis landmarks and their committed to featuring local brands and locally sources candy within a product offering featuring more than 400 varieties of candy. Natalie’s Candy Jar will offer a wide selection of fun and colorful candy to passengers.
More Retailers, Restaurants to Be Announced in 2019
The next round of Concessions Refresh contract approvals is anticipated at a subsequent board meeting in early 2019, in which new food-and-beverage vendors and additional retailers will be announced. New airport offerings will reflect a sense of place that tells the story of the Indianapolis/Indiana community – either by representing a local brand and iconic landmark or selling locally sourced products, ultimately driving economic impact within the community.
Media contact:
Email: mediarelations@ind.com
Phone: 317-487-5025
Source: Indianapolis Airport Authority