Denver International Airport (DIA) says 11 RFP retail, F&B and other opportunities will be available for bid in 14 locations this November.

 

Airport management adds that expiring leases will see around 75% of DIA’s 140 concession locations change into a mix of new or remodelled businesses over the next few years. In 2013, the concessions programme generated a record $294.8m in gross revenue, with approximately $10m paid in sales tax to the City and County of Denver and about $47.5m in concession rental revenue to DIA.

 

Significantly, airport management says that this new planned ‘transformation’ will bring a better mix of local flavours and national brands’ to the 52m-plus passengers at DIA – the vast majority of whom are domestic travellers. DIA’s concession programme consisted of more than 170,000sq ft of retail space last year, including more than 140 locations.

 

[In the year to date, DIA’s outbound international passengers totalled 333,871 from a total of 25.4m. International pre-cleared departing passengers accounted for 266,081 over the same January-June 2014 period. Nuance is the duty free concessionaire. See stats: http://business.flydenver.com/stats/traffic/reports/JUN_2014.pdf-Ed].

 

The opportunities also include RFPs for a common-use passenger lounge, convenience retail for the upcoming public transit centre, plus a brewery-themed restaurant for the upcoming Westin Hotel and Conference Center.

 

 

QUALITY AND VARIETY

“The airport is looking for proposals to enhance our growing line up of local treasures, along with world-class shopping and dining options in our efforts to enhance our customers’ experiences,” said airport CEO Kim Day.

 

“We are actively seeking concepts that will provide quality and variety while meeting the escalating expectation of the travelling public, while simultaneously creating a sense of place at DIA.”

 

For the first time, the 90-day list includes the participation goals assigned to each location under the federal Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program (ACDBE), and the City of Denver’s Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) goals.

 

DIA is also providing information early to encourage entrepreneurs to obtain the proper certifications and identify certified business partners, prior to the formal bidding process. Commendably and to back this up, DIA will provide a special free seminar for entrepreneurs during the annual DIA Day, which offers a comprehensive look at how to do business at the airport. The seminar will provide detailed information about the 11 RFPs and how to navigate the bidding process.

 

CONCEPTS ON OFFER:

DIA Day will be held on October 7 at the Renaissance Denver Hotel and registration closes on September 29 – available on a first-come, first-served basis. Workshop registration s now open at the following link: http://diaday2014.eventbrite.com

 

A total of 11 RFPs are being made available, which are as follows:

 

Specialty Retail (A and B Gates) consisting of mens’ and women’s fashion;

 

Specialty Retail (A and B Gates) nationally branded women’s fashion;

 

Convenience Retail (Public Transit Center) fast snacks, news and gifts and more;

 

Westin Hotel f&b (Hotel Restaurant);

 

Common-Use Lounge (A Gates);

 

Various F&B restaurants, fast food and bars in Gates A, B and C.

 

TOP IMAGE PHOTO CREDIT: “Photograph provided courtesy of Denver International Airport.”