UK. WHSmith has strengthened its home market airport footprint with the opening of three new travel retail spaces at Manchester and Liverpool John Lennon airports, underlining continued investment in major North of England travel hubs.
At Manchester Airport Terminal 2, the travel retailer has launched its first artisan coffee concept, Grindsmith, adjacent to a newly designed WHSmith travel essentials store.
At Liverpool John Lennon Airport, WHSmith has opened a new one-stop-shop format, bringing its full category offer together in a single, larger store environment.
The Manchester openings are located post-security and before duty free, with the new Grindsmith coffee shop introducing barista-made coffee and a breakfast- and brunch-led food offer to the terminal.
Developed in partnership with the eponymous Manchester-based coffee brand, the concept is designed to deliver quality at speed for passengers on the move.
The menu features Grindsmith coffee alongside breakfast favourites, including smashed avocado on toast with poached eggs and chilli flakes.
The opening follows the launch of WHSmith’s own-brand food range, Smith’s Family Kitchen.
Alongside the coffee shop, WHSmith has unveiled a travel essentials store with a design inspired by Manchester’s industrial heritage and creative identity.
Exposed brick finishes, bold graphics and contemporary lighting define the space, supported by a curated range spanning food and drink, health and beauty, technology accessories, books and magazines.
The Liverpool John Lennon Airport one-stop-shop offers its full category and product range alongside premium gifting and Liverpool-themed souvenirs.
The store design draws on local architecture and neighbourhoods, including references to the Museum of Liverpool in the artwork above the food and drink area and a ceiling feature inspired by the Liver Building clock face.
Exposed brickwork nods to the Albert Dock, combining a sense of place with a layout designed for efficient passenger flow.
The three openings form part of WHSmith’s broader investment programme across airports and rail stations in the North of England, reflecting the retailer’s focus on high-traffic regional gateways.
WHSmith Interim Group CEO Andrew Harrison said: “Manchester and Liverpool are airports millions of people across the North pass through every year. These openings, including our first artisan coffee shop, reflect our confidence in the region and our commitment to making every journey better.
“We’re excited to bring quality food and drink, everyday travel essentials and the trusted brands people love to even more travellers on the move.”
Liverpool John Lennon Airport Commercial Director Lucy O’Shaughnessy remarked, “We are really pleased with the look and feel of this new WHSmith store within our Departure Lounge, as are our passengers, and this completes the latest phase of our retail developments here at Liverpool Airport.
“This new store caters for the needs of today’s passengers while also providing us with the capacity for future growth.”
Manchester Airport Chief Commercial Officer Stephen Turner commented: “Our brand-new £1.3 billion Terminal 2 is nearing completion and is already offering a world-class passenger experience with a mix of brands and offerings to suit all tastes and budgets. That includes well-known favourites like WHSmith as well as local brands with big aspirations.
“That’s why we’re so excited that WHSmith has brought Manchester’s own Grindsmith to the airport, alongside its new store. It means passengers departing form Terminal 2 have even more options as they prepare for their trips and a local brand has been helped to reach a global audience.” ✈
