US. Fraport Maryland’s Launch Pad initiative, which assists small retail businesses to set up and thrive at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, has welcomed two new pop-up stores. Chocolate-covered strawberry specialist Berries By Quicha and natural hair care product retailer Diva By Cindy have been granted 12-month leases.
Berries By Quicha, owned and operated by founder LaQuicha Brown, has established a pink striped pop-up shop in the A/B food court, near Gate A1. It uses fresh strawberries and hand-dips them to create a variety of finishes, including gourmet milk, white and dark chocolate. The products range from ‘First Class Chocolate’ dips such as Milk Swizzle and Red Velvet to ‘Favorite Takeoff’ options including Strawberry Shortcake.
The second pop-up store, Diva By Cindy, is also situated in the A/B food court and is operated by Baltimore resident Sequoia Thompson. She has secured a franchise from Diva By Cindy founder Cindy Tawiah, whose Baltimore company offers natural hair care products including shampoos and conditioners.
Tawiah has built a brand that offers business and franchise opportunities for women and also supports homeless women and survivors of domestic violence. Diva By Cindy products had previously been available via a vending machine at the airport.
Baltimore/Washington International Airport Executive Director Ricky Smith said: “We’re thrilled to see these micro and small retail businesses take off at the airport. The Launch Pad programme gives local entrepreneurs the opportunity to reach millions of travellers with their unique products. The addition of these small businesses helps keep our concessions programme fresh and exciting.”
Fraport Maryland Vice President of Operations Gary Gilliard said: “Fraport Maryland remains fully committed to the Launch Pad programme, offering small business owners an opportunity to participate in BWI’s concessions programme. We are pleased to announce two exciting additions to our programme and wish both operators tremendous success with their airport shops.”
Berries By Quicha and Diva By Cindy join existing Launch Pad operators at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Fashion Spa House and Fran’s Organic Body Care.
Now in its third year, the Launch Pad programme has so far welcomed a total of nine operators. Participants receive training, sales and marketing support through the initiative.
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The company also organises the annual Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) Conference & Awards. FAB 2020 will be held in Istanbul on 2 and 3 September. Istanbul Airport will host the event, which will be a celebration not only of the best in international airport dining but also of Turkish cuisine and culture. FAB 2020 will be supported strongly by Tum & Ictur, the concessionaire managing 34,000sq m of food & beverage space at Istanbul Airport.
