AUSTRALIA. WHSmith has opened its first Australian curi.o.city store in Perth Airport’s international terminal (T1). It introduces a premium gifting and souvenir products concept designed to showcase Western Australia.
The launch marks the retailer’s expansion of the curi.o.city brand into the Australian market, building on outlets already established at major international hubs in London, Qatar and the UAE.
Positioned as a high-end retail experience, the Perth store offers a curated range of souvenirs and gifts from local sources and regional artisans. It features Australian brands including Stateside Sports and Budgie Smugglers.
Travellers are also invited to capture a photo with ‘Mocha the Quokka’, the store’s giant mascot celebrating Western Australia’s most famous marsupial.
The store design, developed in partnership with Perth Airport, draws inspiration from the region’s landscape and culture.
It showcases bold colours, refined materials and an urban-chic aesthetic to create what WHSmith describes as a “premium environment” for departing passengers.
WHSmith Australia Managing Director Carl Hargrave said, “I am incredibly proud to introduce our first Australian curi.o.city store at Perth Airport – a testament to our strong collaboration with the Perth Airport team.
“While WHSmith is well known as a leader in news, books and convenience retailing in Australia, curi.o.city marks the next evolution of our souvenir and gifting offering.
“This flagship store is the first of its kind in the country, designed to provide visitors with a genuine sense of place through a broad, localised product range and a stunning store environment.”
Perth Airport Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer Kate Holsgrove commented, “Our international passenger numbers are continuing to grow, so we are thrilled to have our valued and long-term partner WHSmith be part of our significant refurbishment and refresh of the customer offering at T1 International.
“The team at WHSmith has delivered a world-class store that will provide our passengers the opportunity to have a fantastic retail experience within a space that represents Western Australia.” ✈
