USA. In a compelling example of parent company Avolta’s commitment to integrating retail and food & beverage, travel experience company Hudson has opened Ink by Hudson at Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The blended retail concept features a bookstore with a self-serve wine bar.
Launched in 2016, Ink by Hudson offers a curated collection of popular and specialty books, as well as an assortment of travel essentials and locally made souvenirs.
The store highlights a strong Sense of Place in terms of both design and product selection, featuring books from local authors, alongside snacks and gifts from homegrown brands.
Offering a ‘taste of Michigan’, the store also showcases a selection of wines from local vineyards, in partnership with non-profit organisation Michigan Wine Collaborative. Travellers can enjoy a glass of wine, offered on taps activated by an RFID bracelet.
Avolta Chief Operating Officer, Retail, North America Brian Quinn said: “Hudson is dedicated to tailoring airport retail and dining to the unique tastes of travellers, offering them additional exploration and discovery during their journey.
“Our partnership with Michigan Wine Collaborative celebrates the state’s rich cultural heritage and local flavours, narrating a compelling story and cultivating a Sense of Place.
“Hudson is excited about this distinctive addition to the Ink brand, and for the continued opportunity we see to make the journey as exciting as the destination for travellers by creating unique, hybrid retail and food and beverage experiences.”
Michigan Wine Collaborative President Brian Lillie added: “Partnering with Hudson on its innovative Ink wine bar concept is a testament to our commitment to showcasing the exceptional quality of Michigan wines.
“This collaboration not only elevates our local wine industry by offering exposure to both the domestic and global travellers through Gerald R. Ford International Airport daily, but also provides an exciting platform for consumers to discover and appreciate the unique flavours and diversity of our region’s offerings.”
Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Chief Financial Officer Maria Kim commented: “Ink by Hudson is an innovative concept that blends literature with local flavours, showcasing Michigan’s culinary landscape through collaboration with Michigan Wine Collaborative.
“We are grateful to our partners at Avolta for their commitment to incorporating local touches into the airport environment to further elevate the guest experience.” ✈
