LS Travel Retail North America has opened its first newly redesigned Relay store at Toronto Pearson International airport (YYZ) following a successful tender issued by Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA), which selected LS for all of the 25 Travel Essentials stores it tendered.

 

“The only international Travel Essentials brand – with 1,400 stores in 23 countries – Relay is also the industry pioneer, serving travellers in global transportation hubs since 1852,” say LS Travel Retail.

 

“Based on thorough market research, the Relay concept has been re-designed to elevate the traveller’s shopping experience. Through a new brand identity, a sophisticated design, an optimised product line, and personalised services, Relay brings Travel Essentials to a whole new level.”

 

The flexible wall structure is laid out like the pages of a magazine on an iPad, with short paragraphs of text and graphics that act both as way-finding and design elements.

 

According to LS Travel Retail, the structure is ‘modular’, allowing the store to adapt to changing trends. While Relay still offers mass-market products, the new stores will now includes a broader selection of exclusive brands and unique items, from products from local artisans to merchandise for the upcoming PanAm games, held later this year in Toronto.

 

“We are extremely proud of this new concept and of the trust the GTAA has put in our team”, said Vadim Motlik, Chief Development Officer at LS Travel Retail North America.

 

“As one of our closest and longest airport partners, we are glad to be extending our relationship with the GTAA, and to be unveiling our brand new Travel Essentials flagship in their world-class facility. The Relay brand was born over 150 years ago and not only does this new design build upon its legacy as the traveller’s expert, it also sets the tone for all Travel Essentials programs in international hubs”.

 

“At Toronto Pearson, we’re happy to continue building on our strong relationship with LS travel retail and the Relay brand that is well-known for its unique and strong travel essentials offering”, said Mike Ross, Director of Commercial Development and Passenger Communications, Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

 

“Our goal is to be a destination in and of itself. That’s why we continue to develop our stores and services, which offer great gifts, relaxing indulgences and last minute essentials for a perfect vacation. There is no doubt you will find something to do while you’re here.”

 

Out of the 25 stores awarded, two have already open, both in Terminal 3’s brand new Pier A. The other stores will follow, according to a deployment plan staggered through 2016.