High-Flying Brands to Create a ‘Retail Renaissance’
By DeAllous Smith

Attention shoppers.

A new era of shopping is underway at Hartsfield-Jackson! A “retail renaissance” began recently with the start of a three-phase retail construction build-out program designed to welcome 70 new shops to the world’s busiest airport.

Bvlgari, Ermenegildo Zegna, Mori Luggage and Gifts, Sean John and Vera Bradley are among an impressive list of luxury retailers set to open stores at the Airport. Forty stores will open at the completion of the first phase of the program, scheduled for fourth quarter 2008. When phase two is completed during first quarter 2009, an additional 20 stores will open. The remaining 10 stores will be unveiled second quarter 2009.

Each phase of the Airport’s “retail renaissance” will reflect a unique theme:

• Change is in the Air
• Unveiling a New Experience
• Dine & Explore

“The Airport is becoming an area that enables the lifestyles of travelers,” said John Cugasi, Hartsfield-Jackson’s concessions director. The 12 categories in the retail plan are accessories, books and cafes, convenience, electronics, fashion, health and beauty, jewelry, personal care, news and gifts, regional gifts, souvenirs and technology.

With Airport customers earning an average income of $85,000 per year, the goals of this retail initiative are simple: to deliver new looks, new brands and new designs that fit peoples’ lifestyles. Cugasi believes the new concessionaries will meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers and continue the Airport’s tradition of delivering convenient, affordable and high-quality retail.

Some of the new retail outlets will feature local and regional connections, including Atlanta Daily World, Cafe Intermezzo, the Georgia Aquarium, Midtown Magazines and Panda Veranda, a gift shop that will feature a live panda cam feed directly from Zoo Atlanta.

“The Airport community is very excited to introduce these brands and help establish a sense of place for our customers,” said Cugasi.

During construction, some retailers will install temporary kiosks to serve customers until the build-out is complete. “The Airport is making every effort to minimize any impacts and allow passengers to continue with business as usual,” added Cugasi. “In the meantime, we are asking travelers to please pardon our progress as we work toward delivering a true retail renaissance in 2009.”