LS travel retail North America has announced the opening of its first redesigned Relay store in Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada.
Based on thorough market research, the Relay concept has been redesigned to elevate the traveler’s shopping experience. It now features a new brand identity and design, an optimized product line, and personalized services. The new design has a flexible wall structure, which is laid out like the pages of a magazine on an iPad, with short texts and graphics that act both as wayfinding and design elements. The structure is modular, allowing the store to constantly adapt to trends. The assortment has also been optimized.
While Relay still offers mass-market products, the brand now includes a broader selection of exclusive brands and unique items, all the way from products from local artisans to the upcoming Pan Am and Parapan Am Games, held in July and August of this year respectively in Toronto.
Introduced as part of the recent Travel Essentials Request for Expression of Interest at Toronto Pearson, the concept was selected by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) for all of the 25 stores tendered.
“We are extremely proud of this new concept and of the trust the GTAA has put in our team,” said Vadim Motlik, chief development officer at LS travel retail North America. “As one of our closest and longest airport partners, we are glad to be extending our relationship with the GTAA, and to be unveiling our brand new Travel Essentials flagship in their world class facility.”
Mike Ross, director of commercial development and passenger communications, GTAA, added, “Our goal is to be a destination in and of itself. That’s why we continue to develop our stores and services, which offer great gifts, relaxing indulgences and last minute essentials for a perfect vacation. There is no doubt you will find something to do while you’re here.”
Out of the 25 stores awarded, two have already opened, both in Terminal 3’s new Pier A. The other stores will follow, according to a deployment plan staggered through 2016.