Famed toy store brand FAO Schwarz is opening a location at Indianapolis International Airport (IND) this week with operator Hudson Group, kicking off the airport’s first wave of new stores as part of its larger Concessions Refresh program.
The FAO Schwarz opening featured toy soldier mascots marching around the store and life-sized games of Uno, Scrabble, chess and Connect Four, all in addition to the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“This is just the start,” says Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, which oversees IND. “Today we have nine new store concepts open and operating, but there are more than 30 on their way over the next couple of years. When people arrive or take off out of Indianapolis, we want them to feel that ‘wow’ factor when it comes to shopping and dining — and carry an excellent customer experience with them as they travel.”
The Indianapolis Airport Authority has invested the past three years in preparing to address the pending expiration of 43 retailer, service, and food and beverage contracts. In addition to FAO Schwarz, national brand store concepts such as Tumi, Vineyard Vines and Trip Advisor are now open and operating in the terminal, as well as new store concepts that speak to the flavor and personality of Indianapolis, such as Fountain Square Market and Pitstop by Hudson.
“Hudson is committed to delivering exceptional, one-of-a-kind experiences to our guests here in Indianapolis and throughout North America,” says Mario Scorcia, executive vice president at Hudson. “We thank the IAA management team for their ongoing partnership, and we are honored to be a part of the airport’s concession refresh efforts by bringing national brands and tailored local concepts to the Hoosier state.”
