The Ottawa International Airport Authority has unveiled details on its first major concessions program overhaul since the terminal was built in 2003. The new program brings in Paradies Lagardère as a master retail concessionaire and SSP Group with a master food and beverage operator.
The new concessions program for Ottawa International Airport (YOW) was designed to “surprise and delight” customers while delivering an optimal financial performance and seamlessly integrating with the airport’s other infrastructure needs, including a relocated and modernized domestic/international security checkpoint, the airport authority said.
“We are extremely proud of the great teamwork that was achieved in integrating our need for an updated primary security screening checkpoint with an updated concessions program,” says Coleman Swartz, director, commercial development. “Sometimes airports struggle to marry infrastructure needs and concessions/non-aeronautical business priorities, but in our case there was a remarkably harmonious process where all teams understood each other’s priorities and worked together in harmony to achieve a seamless result. Credit is also due to Stantec and ICF SH&E for helping us develop and articulate our vision.”
A center court retail neighborhood will form the centerpiece of the new program. Passengers entering the gate area after clearing security in its new location on Level 3 of the terminal will flow into a “re-orientation zone” complete with an information kiosk, which has as its backdrop a panoramic array of shopping choices.
Operated by Paradies Lagardère, the center court will offer offers travel essentials, gifts and local craft and confection products from The Locks, sweet treats from Dylan’s Candy Bar, an extensive range of reading options from Maison de la Presse, and outdoor apparel and accessories from No Boundaries. Elsewhere within Paradies Lagardère’s retail program, two Relay stores and a TripAdvisor branded boutique will offer a combination of news and convenience and travel essential products.
Directly across from the retail center court will be the airport’s first food hall, which will provide travelers with a wide range of choices. Swartz says the area is designed to provide a relaxing atmosphere, bathed in natural light with spectacular runway views.
