USA. Dufry company Hudson has added ten years to its contract at Charleston International Airport, taking its term to 2041. The company has operated at the airport for more than two decades.
As part of its updated agreement, Hudson will redevelop its concessions portfolio across travel convenience, specialty retail and food & beverage to serve the 4 million-plus travellers through the location.
Under its Destination 2027 strategy, Dufry will create a new combined shopping and dining programme spanning 4,600sq ft featuring concepts such as Evolve by Hudson, Hudson Nonstop, a Tumi store, a stand-alone Sunglass Hut and Hudson’s inaugural Chick-fil-A location.
Hudson will introduce its new loyalty programme, frictionless checkout options and other digital innovations. Expanded payment capabilities, such as self-checkout and mobile POS, are also to be made available.
“We are pleased with the substantial investment and commitment to the customer experience that Hudson continues to make at Charleston International on behalf of the thousands of travellers that pass through our terminal daily,” said Elliott Summey, CEO and Executive Director of the airport company. “Adding new specialty and nationally recognised brands will give travellers more reason and excitement to travel through our airport.”
Hudson EVP and Deputy CEO Brian Quinn said: “Elliott Summey and the Charleston County Aviation Authority have implemented a strong redevelopment strategy that will continue to set CHS up for the future, and Hudson is proud to contribute to that growth.
“Our new stores reflect our ongoing investment and commitment to evolving with the airport’s vision and better supporting its fast growing traveller base with the best brands and technological innovations.”
Chick-fil-A, Evolve, Hudson Nonstop and Sunglass Hut will be located in the Central Hall, and the Tumi shop-in-shop will debut in Hudson’s existing Tech On The Go store. When open, these new stores will join Hudson’s five other offerings, including a combination Hudson/Dunkin’ and a Dunkin’ mobile cart.
Opening in 2022 and 2023, the stores will operate under HG-BW Charleston JV, a joint venture between Hudson and its Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Partners Branded Works, Inc., a longstanding Hudson partner, and Lillie’s of Charleston, a local partner.
