UAE. Avolta is to introduce a ‘Presentedby’ concept store at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi early next year, marking a global travel retail debut for the renowned independent purveyor of high-end streetwear.
Presentedby*, which offers collections of exclusive sneakers, clothing and accessories, has downtown stores in Doha, Dubai, London, Mexico City, Paris and Riyadh.
Avolta’s incarnation of the concept will showcase limited-edition and exclusive sneakers and streetwear. The travel retailer said the 210sq m store will ttransform Zayed International Airport’s retail offer with an immersive shopping experience and customer-centric approach.
“Attracting some of the biggest names in music, sports and the arts, the store will offer sneaker and streetwear enthusiasts a place to shop, discover and share their love for urban culture,” the c0mpany said.
Avolta – through HMSHost – already operates 13 food & beverage concepts at the dazzling new airport opened just over a year ago and rebranded from Abu Dhabi International to Zayed International on 9 February this year.
“Forward-thinking and show-stopping”
The store will offer Presentedby’s sneakers and other streetwear alongside a curated selection of Avolta’s certified pre-owned luxury accessories, bags and watches.
This will give travellers access to a “forward-thinking and show-stopping” store concept, Avolta pledged.
Innovative and sustainable pieces with a focus on design and eco-friendly materials will be presented, alongside items produced at the airport using 3D-printed material.
“We are honoured to bring our experience to Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, a standout in the region’s rapid growth and innovation,” commented Avolta President and CEO Europe, Middle East and Africa Luis Marin.
“Through our Destination 2027 strategy, we are committed to continue enhancing the travel experience by seamlessly integrating our retail and F&B offerings to better serve travellers.
“Our partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports and our internationally relevant brand collaborators, like Presentedby, illustrates our commitment to creating meaningful value. We look forward to continuing this collaboration and contributing to the region’s success.”
Abu Dhabi Airports Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Elena Sorlini said: “Avolta’s innovative approach to curating a portfolio of exciting concepts, like Presentedby perfectly aligns with our vision of catering to the evolving needs of today’s global traveller.
“At Abu Dhabi Airports we are dedicated to transforming the airport experience into something truly exceptional. We are thrilled to partner with Avolta in making AUH [Zayed International Airport] a world-class travel hub and thank them for their progressive and innovative mindset in elevating the passenger experience.”
Presentedby Co-Founder & Director Nohman Ahmed commented: “We are proud to be recognised as a trusted name in the industry. We are excited about this collaboration and are thrilled to announce our first airside location at Zayed International Airport. Here, we will provide a unique physical retail experience, offering a selection of limited-edition and sought-after items.” ✈
Talking to a new generation
When Presentedby opened its first store in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in September 2022, fashion and lifestyle title GQ noted approvingly how the design drew inspiration from the Kingdom’s desert oasis, using water as a theme throughout its parametric sculptures and virtual digital simulations, writes Martin Moodie.
Describing the store as “immersive and tech-savvy”, GQ noted: “Streetwear and sneaker culture is booming in the Middle East in recent years, and there’s no better place to cop some legit hyped goods than at Presentedby.”
In airport retail, however, streetwear and sneaker culture has barely got a look in until now. Avolta is seeking to change the perception of airport stores always offering the tried and trusted, figuring that neither necessarily applies to younger generations.
Interestingly too, the retailer is offering the Presentedby collections in tandem with Avolta’s certified range of pre-owned luxury accessories, bags and watches.
Pre-loved and sneaker culture. Two terms you haven’t heard much of in airport retail . Chances are that will all change in the future as Avolta and its global peers step up their efforts to appeal to new generations of travellers.
*About Presentedby
Each Presentedby store is designed to stand as a unique, innovative space deeply connected with Presentedby’s brand DNA. Each pays homage to the local region.
All stores offer a blended exhibition and retail space where sneakers and streetwear enthusiasts can come together not only to shop, but also to discover, share and celebrate their love for sneakers, streetwear and urban culture.
