Hudson “Thinks Outside The Box", Launching New Automated Retail Concept

Today’s travelers have high expectations for contactless retailing, seamless convenience, and digital innovation across all touchpoints of their travel journey – which is why Hudson is rolling out a first-of-its-kind, multi-brand automated retail concept.

Automated retail is a 24/7 specialty retail destination that’s reminiscent of a miniature shopping mall, leveraging Hudson’s and Dufry’s expansive brand portfolio. Clustered together in groups of two or more throughout the concourse, and conveniently located near a Hudson store in the event of needed assistance, automated retail makes it easier than ever for travelers to access and shop for specialty retail offerings.

Each automated retail concept is custom-tailored to the unique airport location, with the ability to swap out the global and local brands represented in each unit to best fit the needs, trends, and demographics of the airport region. The brands currently signed on for automated retail include:

• Skincare: Plexaderm and The Art of Shaving
• Eyewear (featuring an interactive, virtual try-on experience): Maui Jim and Revo
• Electronics: Apple, Beats, Belkin, Brookstone, and Sony
• Toys: Kikkerland Design and LEGO
• Accessories: Happy Socks and 47 Brand

More brands will continue to be added to the automated retail line up moving forward. Additionally, Hudson plans to use the concept as a brand incubator. This will enable Hudson to test brands before deciding to develop them into a standalone specialty store, as well as explore developmental opportunities with smaller airports where specialty retail offerings can be limited by space and enplanement levels.

The first automated retail concept is currently live at Myrtle Beach International Airport in South Carolina. Additional locations, including Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston (Texas), will be introduced later this summer.