In the final retail phase of an £80m (US$124m) terminal transformation, Stansted Airport has finally unveiled the brands moving into the remaining 18 outlets, after tenders were released last July.

 

The line up comprises ‘global brands, returning favourites and new concepts’ that aim to provide passengers with a greater range of tax-free accessory and fashion options, ‘from popular high street brands, designer labels to premium luxury’, says Stansted Airport operator, Manchester Airports Group (MAG).

 

As reported, 80 brands, from high street and global airport retailers, showed interest in the remaining outlets at STN – which MAG bought from Heathrow Airport Holdings (HAH) in 2013.

 

Although the line up of new shops has been announced, they will actually open in phases over the autumn and winter months.

 

Fashion clothing brands, popular on the UK High-Street, include, Lacoste, Joules, East, Oasis and Superdry. Footwear and accessories will be ‘enhanced’ by the arrival of popular affordable luxury brand Dune London; a new specialist shop, Sunglasses Boutique run by World Duty Free Group; as well as Parfois – a Portuguese brand offering a host of fashion accessories, handbags and jewellery.

 

“Regular Stansted travellers will be delighted to learn that Hugo Boss and Ted Baker plus accessory specialists Mulberry, Swarovski and Accessorize will all return to the departure lounge this autumn,” adds STN.

 

New arrivals to the UK retail travel market will be Joe and the Juice, a Danish coffee and juice concept; Hema, a Dutch retailer offering own brand products in stationery, children’s games, toys, homeware and a host of other novelty items.

 

Securing the ‘prime island locations’ in the new development will be Cloud Spa, supposedly the ‘first ever’ beauty salon at Stansted; Red 5 – a one stop gadget shop and finally, Best of the Best (BOTB), offering passengers the chance to win ‘amazing’ cars with its weekly ‘Dream Car Competition’.

 

Commenting on today’s announcement, Stansted Airport’s Managing Director Andrew Harrison said: “The £80m investment project to transform Stansted’s terminal and departure lounge is now in its third and final stage and I’m delighted to unveil the line-up of global and high street brands, returning favourites and exciting new concepts that have secured their positions and set to open for business later this autumn.

 

“Interest in this final phase was once again extremely high with over 80 proposals received for the 18 remaining retail units giving a clear indication of what an exciting development this is in terms of travel retail.

 

“We only announced this ambitious investment programme two years ago so it’s a fantastic achievement to successfully deliver the project within such a tight timeframe and during a period of rapid passenger growth at Stansted. I’m sure our frequent fliers will be especially pleased to learn that the end of this major transformation is now in sight and they can soon enjoy the full benefits of the re-development.”

 

As reported, the Stansted transformation project kicked-off by relocating security to a new area, double in size with extra lanes and dedicated channels for Fast Track, families and passengers needing assistance.

 

Phase one of the international departure lounge welcomed the opening of nine new retail units including the largest walk-through World Duty Free in terms of retail space.

 

Phase two of the development increased the choice of cafes, bars and restaurants with the arrival of 12 new offers including airport firsts, celebrity chef treats and traditional favourites as well as welcoming the opening of the airport’s first ever Escape Lounge.

 

As reported, in an exclusive interview, Manchester Airports Group (MAG) told TRBusiness that the company would be opening an office in the United States having identified a gap in the market for an experienced airport services provider.

 

In May MAG also announced that it has appointed Rosemarie Andolino to the newly created role of Chief Executive Officer and President of MAG US.

 

Andolino, who recently served as the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner, will oversee the development of MAG’s airport services business in North America.

 

MAG said that its new US division will work with airports to develop and operate terminal and retail solutions, passenger lounges and car parking facilities.