New CEO for HDS North America
HDS Retail North America has announced that Jean-Baptiste Morin president and CEO (also CEO of Hachette Distribution Services Canada) will be leaving his post and returning to Europe to serve in a senior executive position in the HDS Group.
As of July 14, 2007, Gerry Savaria, executive vice president, business development, will be taking over as president and CEO. Savaria has been with the company for 17 years. He joined HDS Retail Canada in 1997, as vice-president, press, and was promoted to the position of executive vice president, press and books merchandising when HDS Retail’s US and Canadian operations merged together in 2000. He changed focus in 2004 when he took over the responsibility for business development initiatives. Prior to joining HDS Retail, Gerry worked as sales director for LMPI, HDS Retail’s sister company based in Montreal, Quebec. “Gerry’s experience, his knowledge of the industry, as well as his leadership will contribute to HDS Retail’s future development,” says Morin.
In related news…
RELAY Partners with Ayala’s at LAS
HDS Retail, North America and partner Ayala’s, Inc. will begin the negotiation process on a lease agreement for one news & gifts store at Las Vegas McCarran International (LAS). The partnership company, called RELAY-Ayala’s at McCarran, LLC, will operate the store located after the new security checkpoint into the C gates. The store will operate under the RELAY brand.
In related news…
HDS Signs Exclusive Deal with BROOKSTONE
HDS Retail, North America has announced it has entered into an exclusive agreement with BROOKSTONE. The agreement will provide HDS Retail with the opportunity to carry BROOKSTONE merchandise in several of its stores located in Canadian airports. In addition, HDS Retail also secured the rights to develop and operate stand-alone BROOKSTONE airport stores in Canada. The partnership supports BROOKSTONE’s growth strategy of aggressively pursuing new markets while making the company’s merchandise available to travelers in Canada.
HMSHost Rolls Out for Summer
HMSHost has “stocked the shelves” of U.S. motorways and airports to service the more than 200 million travelers expected to drive and fly this summer. The merchandise will be geared toward food and retail options as well as high end specialty items.
For example, the company’s World Passage, a high-end, gate-side retail concept, sells apparel and accessories from Coach, Armani, Givenchy and Ralph Lauren at airports nationwide. Its branded Destination stores in airports such as Los Angeles International (LAX), Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL) and Toronto’s LB Pearson (YYZ), carry urban fashions from hot brands such as Puma, Oakley, Polo Jeans, Tommy, Seven7 Jeans, Haraijuku Lovers, Kenneth Cole and Guess.
“HMSHost has served travelers for more than 100 years, with high-quality food and retail,” said Elie W. Maalouf, President & CEO, HMSHost. “Whether travelers are flying or driving to their summer vacation, we offer exciting shops and restaurants to make their travel experience a more enjoyable one.”
In related news…
HMSHost will open its new Bonfire Steakhouse at John F. Kennedy International (JFK) on Memorial Day weekend. The concept was created for HMSHost by acclaimed chef Todd English.
At Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), HMSHost will opens Kathy Casey’s market-fresh foods at Dish D’Lish(TM).
At Orange County’s John Wayne Airport (SNA) the company will open Oasis Grill & Sky Lounge, chef David Wilhelm’s Jetsons-themed, full-service restaurant. HMSHost is working with celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck to open Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Express, a fast-casual concept featuring Puck’s signature pizzas and salads at multiple airports including Boston, Chicago O’Hare, Las Vegas, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Salt Lake City, Seattle-Tacoma and Charlotte Airports.
OTG Opens New Restaurant at DCA
OTG Management has announced the opening of Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar at Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). Cibo Bistro serves authentic Italian cuisine and offers an expansive wine list – featuring 32 wines by the glass.
In addition, OTG has opened Cibo Express Gourmet Markets at the airport where customers can mix and match from more than 700 pre-packaged items to create the perfect meal or snack. Cibo Markets include a wide selection of organic, heart-healthy, kid-friendly and vegetarian options.
InMotion Hires New Consultant
InMotion Entertainment announced it has contracted with Kevin Kern Consulting to be part of the company’s business development team. Kern will be responsible for pursuing new retail opportunities in airports and in other high traffic venues. He will also advise on competitive strategies and assist in negotiating new contracts.
Kern has spent over 20 years in real estate and leasing, including several years in the airport retailing industry. He led a team to bring the first Borders book stores to airports and later worked as a director for The Center for Airport Management where he assisted major airport clients in planning and development of their concession programs.
“We are delighted to have someone with Kevin’s experience and knowledge join our team,” says Jeremy Smith, president of InMotion Entertainment. “This is a key component in our strategy for continued growth in US airports.”
RFP on the Street
DFW Concession Opportunity
Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) is pleased to announce new retail and food operation opportunities. A Request for Proposal has been placed on the airport’s website: www.dfwairport.com/opportunity. This RFP consists of two (2) food packages and five (5) retail packages. Completed proposals are due no later than Wednesday, May 30, 2007, 3:00 PM, Central Standard Time, to DFW Airport Warehouse, Airport concessions RFP, Attention: Revenue Management, 3122 E. 30th St., DFW Airport, TX 75261. Website: http://www.dfwairport.com/opportunity
