US. HDS Retail has opened a new Watermark bookstore concept in New York LaGuardia International Airport.
The new 1,200sq ft store opened on 24 September and is part of the portfolio of stores operated in partnership with ACDBE concessionaire Corliss Stone-Littles.
The brand, already operated successfully by HDS Retail, has undergone a complete redesign compared to the existing Watermark in Toronto Pearson Airport. The new design, adapted from the equally successful Australian Watermark, is the first opening of its kind in North American airports.
The sleek lines and dramatic black walls make for an inviting space for customers to browse, HDS Retail said. The book selection ranges from new releases to best sellers, with an area dedicated to younger travellers. There is also an antiquarian section with shelves of rare and autographed American classic books, all of which are available for purchase.
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The design of the new 1,200sq ft Watermark bookstore is the first opening of its kind in North American airports |
“The clearly marked sections, beautiful fixtures, and contemporary signage make for a very sophisticated book shopping experience,” the company added.
HDS Retail CEO and President Gerry Savaria said: “This rejuvenated Watermark concept is a great addition to our bookstore offering. Watermark will be a great alternative for locations where the use clause prevents us from carrying electronic media, which means we can’t use our exclusive licence for Virgin Books & Entertainment. We now have a very credible, contemporary and exciting solution for the “˜traditional’ bookstore use.”
The new Watermark Bookstore seems to have already been embraced by travellers at LaGuardia: the store sold a rare collectible book worth US$450 just a few days after opening.
Watermark completes the line-up of stores already operated HDS Retail at LaGuardia – these include RELAY, USA Today Travel Zone, New York Scene, Artizan and Fruits & Passion.
MORE STORIES ON HDS RETAIL
HDS Retail opens new speciality stores at LaGuardia – 17/09/09
HDS Retail opens two locations at Montréal Airport – 01/07/09
HDS Retail North America opens newly renovated destination concept Stars of San Antonio – 26/06/09
