WHSmith launches first Australian curi.o.city store at Perth Airport T1

By Benedict Evans |

 – TRBusiness

Travellers are invited to snap a selfie with Mocha the Quokka, the store’s cheerful giant mascot and a nod to the state’s most iconic marsupial.

WHSmith has launched its first curi.o.city store in Australia at Perth Airport Terminal 1 International, introducing a premium gifting and souvenir concept to Australian travellers, which the retailer said celebrates creativity, discovery, and the vibrant identity of Western Australia.

The store showcases a handpicked selection of high-quality gifts and keepsakes from local makers, regional artisans, and iconic Australian brands such as Stateside Sports and Budgie Smugglers.

Carl Hargrave, Managing Director of WHSmith Australia, said: “I am incredibly proud to introduce our first Australian curi.o.city store at Perth Airport—a testament to our strong collaboration with the Perth Airport team. While WHSmith is well known as a leader in news, books, and convenience retailing in Australia, curi.o.city marks the next evolution of our souvenir and gifting offering.

This flagship store is the first of its kind in the country, designed to provide visitors with a genuine sense of place through a broad, localised product range and a stunning store environment. We are excited to welcome passengers to experience our latest and best-in-class retail concept at Australian airports.”

Developed in close partnership with Perth Airport, the store’s design reflects the energy and elegance of Western Australia through a vibrant palette, sophisticated materials, and an urban-chic aesthetic—creating an engaging, premium environment for every customer.

Perth Airport Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer Kate Holsgrove, noted: “Our international passenger numbers are continuing to grow, so we are thrilled to have our valued and long-term partner WHSmith be part of our significant refurbishment and refresh of the customer offering at T1 International.

The team at WHSmith has delivered a world-class store that will provide our passengers the opportunity to have a fantastic retail experience within a space that represents Western Australia.”

READ MORE: Fi Logan-Wyeth joins Retail inMotion as Chief Commercial Officer

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