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UK. WHSmith has opened its first dedicated children’s store in the UK at Manchester Airport, operating under the retailer’s new brand – Zoodle.
The first store opened on Sunday, with a second commencing operations on Thursday 7 February. The retailer opened the world’s first Zoodle store in Melbourne in December, as reported.
WHSmith said the stores have been created with the young traveller in mind, with a bright store environment designed to make them “fun and inviting” for all children.
Located in terminals 1 and 2, they stock a selection of children’s books, a wide range of stationery collections, toys, games, gifts and gadgets, as well as snacks, all aimed at young travellers and their families.
WHSmith Travel Chief Operating Officer Simon Smith said: “We are delighted to be opening our first Zoodle by WHSmith stores in the UK at Manchester Airport, just before half term and well ahead of the Summer peak. We are very much looking forward to providing children and their families with everything they need before they fly.”
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The first store operating under the new brand opened in Melbourne in December |
Manchester Airport last year became the third largest airport in the UK behind Heathrow and Gatwick and more than 20 million passengers are expected to pass through the hub this year.
Beth Brewster, Retail Director for Manchester Airport owners MAG, said: “This is the type of innovative approach we take to retail at our airports and when WHSmith suggested launching this brand in our airports, we were naturally keen to pursue it further.
“I know our younger customers are going to really enjoy it and from the feedback we receive we know that passengers want to have more child-friendly products while they’re waiting for their flights, so Zoodle certainly fits into that category.”
