Dufry and Westfield unveil $26m Chicago T5 transformation

By Charlotte Turner |

Chicago O’Hare Airport has officially unveiled the new Terminal 5 which underwent a $26 million transformation and now features 24 new retail and dining outlets. The developer says that the new concessions have already achieved record sales while under construction and are on track to ‘create 230 new jobs and double sales’.

 

 

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), and Westfield, joined by airport and airline partners, today unveiled the new International Terminal 5 (T5) at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, marking the completion of the transformation by Westfield – including the introduction of 11 local Chicago brands – and a redesigned TSA checkpoint.

 

The redevelopment is the first since the terminal’s construction in 1993, and sees the shift of retail from pre-security to post. 95% of the retail and F&B units were previously located pre-security.

 

A central element of the new retail portfolio is the new 10,000-square-foot flagship duty-free store, ‘the first of its kind in North America’, with all departing travellers flowing through the European-style design after crossing the new TSA checkpoint.

 

‘LUXURY BOUTIQUE ROW’

Operated by Dufry, the duty-free collection links Terminal 5 to ‘Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile’ shopping district with ‘Luxury Boutique Row’ – four stand-alone boutiques including Salvatore Ferragamo and Luxury Watches, with Michael Kors and Emporio Armani opening this year. Other retail units include: Vosges Haut-Chocolat; XpresSpa; Swatch; I Love Chicago and a flagship Hudson store [Dufry-owned concept].

 

 

F&B outlets now on offer at the new Terminal 5, include: Hub 51; Tocco; Tortas Frontera; Wow Bao; Big Bowl; R.J. Grunts Burger & Fries; Urban Olive; Kofe powered by Intelligentsia; The Goddess and Grocer.

 

In 2013, while amid construction and with only half the programme complete, Westfield says it achieved the terminal’s highest ever Sales Per Enplanement, reaching $18.99 with $32m in annual sales.

 

The developer says it is on target to double 2011 sales to over $50m in the first stabilised year after redevelopment completes.

 

‘NINE AIRPORT FIRSTS’

Of the 24 new dining and retail outlets, nine are airport ‘firsts’ and 17 are Chicago airport debuts. “The new International Terminal 5 revolutionises the traveller experience and will provide vital economic opportunity for years to come,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

 

“With world-class shopping, dining and design, Terminal 5 reflects our City’s distinct style and spirit, placing Chicago at the centre of the global tourism conversation as we work together to reach 55m visitors annually by 2020.”

 

“As the gateway for international travelers entering Chicago, the new Terminal 5 will deliver a first class experience that showcases the city’s vibrant, modern identity,” said US Senator Dick Durbin.

 

“The revamped terminal is the latest example of Mayor Emanuel’s vision and steadfast commitment to strengthening Chicago’s position as a global city and providing international business and leisure travellers with the kind of positive experience that will make them eager to return.

 

O’HARE AN ‘ECONOMIC ENGINE’

“The federal government has long recognised O’Hare as a major economic engine, not just for Chicago, but for the entire region – and invested accordingly. That investment will pay dividends with this innovative new terminal.”

 

“The new International Terminal 5 passenger experience will help fulfill Mayor Emanuel’s vision to provide a world-class experience for millions of visitors from around the globe who travel through O’Hare International Airport as their first and last impression of Chicago,” said Rosemarie S. Andolino, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation.

 

“This is an absolute win for O’Hare travellers, for Chicago’s hospitality, travel and tourism industry, for our airline partners, and for many others who benefit from the incredible job creation and economic activity our airports provide.”

 

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