Under a new, 12-year duty free contract and a three-year extension for its duty paid concessions, Hudson said it will open 16 new stores in Boston by 2024. The new offering will consist of eight duty free stores and eight duty paid concepts.
“The duty paid extension and new duty free contract reflect the shared commitment of Hudson, Massport, and MarketPlace Development to elevate the travel experience and create a concessions portfolio that is not only tailored to the diverse passenger profile of each terminal but also reflects the rich culture and history of the city,” said Brian Quinn, executive vice president and deputy CEO of Hudson. “Our new stores will showcase Hudson’s ability to offer unique shopping experiences while setting the standard for the future of travel retail.”
Hudson has been a concessionaire at BOS for nearly three decades and in that time has built an expansive portfolio of travel convenience, specialty retail, and quick-serve food and beverage (F&B) concepts in all four terminals. “Dufry and Hudson have been terrific partners to us at Logan Airport as we strive to constantly improve and enhance the passenger experience,” said Massport Aviation Director Ed Freni. “Concessions play an important role in a passenger’s journey and the customer service and vast offerings these companies provide enrich the overall travel experience for those arriving at and departing from Boston.”
The new stores will be operated in partnership with Hudson’s ACDBE partners in BOS: Branded Works, KELLEE Communications Group, NIA Corporation, and Saxon Ventures.
“Offering passengers innovative and engaging experiences while shopping iconic and local favorites continues to be very important to us here at Boston Logan,” said Michael DiCosola, president of MarketPlace Development, which oversees concessions at the airport. “We are excited to see that Hudson has the ability to offer these unique retail options, making the airport experience even more enjoyable for the passenger throughout their travel journey.”
The Destination 2027 strategy will touch every part of Hudson’s new operations at BOS. The program will feature stores that represent the community, omnichannel digital innovation that engages travelers throughout their entire journey, and brands from Hudson’s and Dufry’s nationally and globally-recognized portfolios. In the new stores, and throughout Hudson’s existing operations at BOS, travelers will have the ability to experience frictionless payment options like self-checkout and mobile POS, pre-ordering for duty free through Reserve & Collect and exclusive benefits and savings with the Red By Dufry loyalty program.
The duty free offer will encompass 23,000 square feet of retail space. Terminals A, B, and C will have a duty free store where both domestic and international travelers can shop. International travelers will be able to take home the best selection of alcohol and tobacco as well as cosmetics and fragrances, while domestic travelers can purchase any products other than alcohol and tobacco. Terminal E, which is only for international travelers, will offer five distinctive duty free shops including an immersive, 11,000-square-foot walk-through store. Each store will be made to feel like a destination – and that’s by design.
The Connoisseur Collection – the first of its kind in any U.S. airport – will be an intimate drinking lounge and shop, inspired by Boston’s rich heritage of whisky clubs and the vibrant history of the Rowes Wharf trading port. The store will feature a tasting bar and discovery table, a walk-in humidor for cigars and cigarillos, and travel retail exclusives from leading spirits brands.
Three boutique-inspired shops, similar to those on Boston’s iconic Newbury Street, will be spread out throughout the terminal, each with a different assortment of products. One store will be devoted exclusively to luxury skincare and cosmetics; another will feature the classic duty free offerings of international liquor, fine wines, spirits, and tobacco along with a standalone Johnnie Walker section; and a third will focus on makeup, haircare, and skincare offerings. Complementing the individual duty free stores will be the walk-through concept featuring a wide array of global products and brands.
With offerings across travel convenience, specialty retail, and F&B, Hudson’s new duty paid stores will showcase a broad assortment of best-in-class brands, innovative technology, and local influence. The offer will include two Hudson Nonstop stores, an Evolve travel convenience and specialty retail concept, and two combination concepts and other stores.
