London Luton Airport (LLA) has launched a major new commercial tender program as it more than doubles the amount of retail space at the airport to over 93,000ft².
The new retail space, which will incorporate 44 units, forms part of the £100m (US$154m) redevelopment of the airport, which will see annual capacity grow from 12 to 18 million passengers.
As part of the program, 43 new units comprising over 75,000ft² of space, will be split into four distinct zones: luxury, affordable luxury, high street and food & beverage. This approach is designed to offer retailers the best adjacencies for their brand and maximise the impact of each store. The remaining unit will be a flagship 18,000ft² walk-through duty free store.
Alongside the new retail offer, LLA is also launching a brand new £1m (US$1.5m) executive lounge, with snooze pods and spa facilities.
Rupert Lawrie, commercial director at London Luton Airport, said, “The launch of our commercial tender program is another significant milestone in our £100m [$US154m] transformation. Doubling the size of our retail space and bringing in new fashion and catering concepts is central to our plans to give passengers the best possible experience and become a great airport.
“Travel retail is one of the most attractive categories for brands. It offers not only an incredible opportunity for building brand recognition but also provides a great platform for consumer trial. We’re very excited by the level of interest in the tender program so far, particularly from luxury and premium fashion stores.
“The world of travel retail is changing and so too are the expectations of our passengers. We now serve over 100 destinations including our latest route to New York, which starts in April, giving us and our partners access and exposure to a truly global traveler. We would be delighted to hear from any interested parties.”