USA. HMSHost retail subsidiary Stellar Partners is to acquire Avila Retail Development & Management. The transaction, which is expected to close in late summer, will increase Stellar’s retail footprint in western US airports.
Stellar’s portfolio includes over 40 stores in ten major US airports. Avila is known for developing innovative concepts, including Mosaic, Earth Spirit, and Indigenous, which create a Sense of Place by showcasing local artists and jewellers.
The company was established as an airport retailer in 1990 by John and Kathleen Avila and operates 25 stores in Albuquerque, Denver, San Francisco and Phoenix.
Stellar and Avila said the two companies shared years of mutual admiration and common values.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Avila and its talented management team into the Stellar family,” said Stellar Founder Susan Stackhouse.
“This acquisition is a key part of Stellar’s strategic growth plan. It both broadens our retail portfolio and delivers on our objective to grow our business in North American airports. Avila is a regional leader in specialty, news, and convenience retail and their expertise will help us develop dynamic new concepts.”
Avila Founder John Avila commented: “Since founding Avila 40 years ago, we have surrounded ourselves with an excellent team who has been integral to our success. We are excited by the opportunities that this transaction with Stellar will provide for our staff, perpetuating the dream that Kathleen and I had to bring an authentic local shopping experience to airports.
“Stellar has an outstanding reputation and shares our commitment to developing exceptional brands. We look forward to bringing our organisations together to accomplish great things.”
Earlier this year Stellar was awarded a ten-year contract at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Terminal 3.
Its proprietary brands include Stellar News, Stellar Bay, Stellar Books, Mindworks, and Sol Shades. Stellar’s brand partners include Chico’s FAS ‘family’ Chico’s, White House Black Market and Soma, regional favourites Ron Jon Surf Shop and Travel Outfitters, and luxury brands Swarovski, Tumi and L’Occitane.
Stellar was named Best Airport Retailer for 2016 by Airport Revenue News.
