Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) has launched a new retail kiosk program, ASCEND ABQ, to create a vibrant and diverse shopping experience for travelers at the airport.
ASCEND ABQ is a retail concessions internship providing evolving and established small, local, regional and minority-owned businesses an opportunity to operate a kiosk, or retail merchandising unit (RMU), at the Sunport for up to one year.
Participants in the ASCEND ABQ program will receive business training and resources, along with an adaptable kiosk at no cost. Kiosks will be placed in high-visibility areas at ABQ. Some possible retail concepts include handcrafted arts, gifts and crafts, jewelry, apparel, travel essentials, pre-packaged food and beverages, or personal care products like soaps and lotions. Each kiosk can be assembled in a variety of configurations to adapt to any retail concept, and some kiosks include the option for refrigeration and/or water supply.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for us to partner with local businesses to market products and services that are unique to New Mexico,” said Richard McCurley, aviation director for the city of Albuquerque. “We look forward to mentoring small businesses through this specialty retail program and, ultimately, helping them expand and succeed.”
The ASCEND ABQ program, part of the airport’s Dream of Flight terminal renovation project, will also provide space to those seeking to offer seasonal merchandise and feature a unique “Co-Op” kiosk that showcases four distinct business concepts, each with its own branding and merchandise.
The “Co-Op” is an opportunity for smaller retail business owners – for example, those selling at the ABQ Rail Yards, farmers’ markets, or similar venues – to also market their products at the airport.
