National Brands to Mix with Local Concepts for Robust Retail Development
CLEVELAND, March 4, 2009 – BAA Cleveland, the developer of the new AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), has forged lease agreements with seven new concepts that will contribute to a dramatic transformation of concessions at the airport over the next few years. Retailers that have committed to opening new units at the AIRMALL® include:
- I-Tech X-perience, the electronics mecca for people on the go, including gamers. Passengers will be able to test branded electronics right in the store. This includes the very latest gaming options, headphones, MP3 and DVD players and a range of accessories.
- Johnston & Murphy, which offers the finest craftsmanship in leather goods and footwear to the discerning, sophisticated man who likes to dress smartly.
- A new Rock and Roll Hall of Fame store, which will pay homage to Cleveland’s important role as the hometown of this national treasure. The new Rock and Roll Hall of Fame store will feature one-of-a-kind rock and roll merchandise and specialty items that are certain to delight every music fan. The store is the product of a joint venture between Hudson Group, operators of the news and gift offerings at the new AIRMALL®, and two local Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) companies – the United Concessions Group, Inc. and Fins & Feathers Seafood & Poultry Market, Inc. dba English Concessions.
- Taxco Sterling, specializing in sterling silver jewelry, 18kt gold jewelry, and silver and stone accessories. Taxco Sterling is located in many of the premier regional shopping centers and busiest airports in the United States.
- Staying true to its authentic recipes, Villa Fresh Italian Kitchen offers old world pizza, homemade pasta, authentic Italian entrées, salads and specialty items.
- Green Leaf’s…Beyond Great Salads features fresh tossed salads made to order, delicious wraps, grilled panini sandwiches and hearty homemade soups, making it the perfect choice for a healthy, tasty meal.
- Passengers looking for healthy alternatives will also welcome the addition of Bananas® Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt, offering fruit smoothies, frozen yogurt and a variety of snacks.
“From specialty retail to high-quality food offerings, the AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is poised to dramatically enhance the passenger experience for travelers and airport visitors alike. These seven concepts are just the beginning,” noted Tina LaForte, vice president of BAA Cleveland. “Moreover, travelers will quickly become accustomed to the nononsense pledge of ‘Regular Mall Prices…Guaranteed,’ a hallmark of the AIRMALL®. They will be able to shop and dine with peace of mind, because they will be paying no more for goods and services at the airport than they would at a comparable nearby location.”
The City of Cleveland forged a ten-year contract with BAA Cleveland in February 2008 to develop and manage concessions at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The city anticipates that the new AIRMALL® at CLE will double retail sales figures at Hopkins over a ten-year period, double the number of concession jobs and double the current participation rate of local and minority-owned companies. When it is completed, the new AIRMALL® at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport will occupy 76,000 square feet of retail space.
Individuals interested in securing employment with the new AIRMALL® at CLE can begin the process by visiting www.airmall.com and submitting an online application. For more information, call 1-800-ITS-FAIR.