IN: Hudson Group Wins New Business at Indianapolis International Airport with 10 Year Contract
Hudson Group, a leader in North American travel retail, announced it has won new business at Indianapolis International Airport (IND), bringing exciting national brands and one-of-a-kind retail concepts to the Hoosier state. The ten-year contract, which is part of the airport’s concessions refresh program, includes nine stores and nearly 9,000 incremental square feet to better serve the nearly 9 million people that flow through Indianapolis International Airport each year.
Hudson Group created the winning package with a wide selection of well-known travel convenience, luxury retail and specialty brands including FAO Schwarz, Hudson, Ink, Tech on the Go, Tumi, Vineyard Vines, as well as tailored local concepts, including Hoosier Crossing and Pitstop by Hudson.
“Hudson Group is dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences to our passengers, and with the Indianapolis International Airport’s recent top honors as best airport in North America, we knew that only the most unique and distinguished concepts would make the cut,” said Roger Fordyce, Chief Executive Officer of Hudson Group. “We are pleased to partner with the Indianapolis Airport Authority to offer our customers a dynamic mix of excitement and world class customer service, while delivering an authentic sense of place that is truly Indiana.”
Hudson Group’s new store concepts for Indianapolis include:
Travel Essentials:
- Hoosier Crossing: A travel essentials and convenience store which caters to the ever-changing needs of today’s customer, providing everything the traveler wants based on four clearly defined primary categories – Media, Essentials, Marketplace & Destination. This concept is inspired by Indianapolis’ status as the Cross-Roads of America and includes a number of locally-inspired touches.
- Hudson: Hudson is North America’s largest travel essentials and convenience brand designed with customer ease at its core. Designed and color-coded for ease of navigation, Hudson delivers the lifestyle shopping experience preferred by today’s traveler. Inspired by the iconic Hudson News brand, store offerings range from books, magazines, snacks and beverages, to travel and convenience necessities, tasteful local souvenirs and electronics.
- Pitstop by Hudson: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway-inspired travel convenience concept is designed and merchandised to delight shoppers by offering both the essentials they need as well as the treats they want, including Hudson Group’s proprietary Traveler’s Best fresh, grab-and-go food line. The store will reflect the local icon by using sleek auto racing finishes, an oval structure mirroring the track, and signage reminiscent of a back-lit leader board.
Specialty Retail:
- FAO Schwarz: The world’s most famous, iconic toy store that has provided magical experiences for children for over 150 years. A unique and transformative retail experience with signature toys and items, as well as FAO Schweetz delicious treats and sweets.
- Ink: Hudson Group’s new contemporary bookstore built around a core offering of books, Ink serves as a cultural hub to the airport community and features a curated assortment of bestsellers, small press titles, classics, prizewinners, local favorites, and a unique selection of toys, stationery, fashion, artwork, travel essentials and indulgences.
- Tech on the Go: Tech on the Go is a visual and auditory experiential journey that will satisfy both the technophile and the tech-novice. The space will feature a live-gaming lounge, giving IND visitors the opportunity to play video games while waiting for their flight to depart. The store will play host to leading brand names, including Belkin, House of Marley, Wicked, Monster, Mophie, and so many more.
- Tumi: The world’s leading international business, accessory, and travel lifestyle brand. From overnight escapes to epic journeys, Tumi has just the bag or travel accessory to fit the leisure or business traveler.
- Vineyard Vines: Classic, yet contemporary, Vineyard Vines offers an excellent selection of apparel and accessories for men and women. From day to evening, Vineyard Vines has something for all special occasions and everything in between.
Condé Nast Traveler named Indianapolis International Airport (IND) the Best Airport in the United States for the fifth consecutive year in 2018 as part of its 31st Annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey, with feedback from nearly half a million travelers. Other top honors include Travel + Leisure Magazine’s 2018 World’s Best Awards for top domestic airports, and Airports Council International’s Best Airport in North America for six consecutive years.