The world?s busiest airport – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport – is to introduce more than 70 new shops offering a mixture of high-end merchandise and well-known products and services.

These new stores will begin to open this September according to John Cugasi, Hartsfield-Jackson Concessions Director: ‘Internationally recognized brands such as Blvgari, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sean John, Le Sport Sac, L'Occitane, Calvin Klein and Brooks Brothers are coming to the airport. These brands are a part of the airport's new retail programme designed to appeal to those who value a quality shopping environment. The shops will also reflect the rich cultural diversity that exists in Georgia.’

The airport says that all airport visitors – but especially native Georgians – will enjoy shopping at Georgia Aquarium, Savannah Candy Kitchen and Panda Veranda, a gift shop that will feature a live panda cam feed coming directly from Zoo Atlanta. Other stores having a Southern connection include Atlanta Daily World and Southern Living News, both newsstands.

‘Our goal in opening these new shops is to not only meet the needs of our passengers and guests, but also provide them with a high-quality shopping experience,’ said Cugasi. ‘The new shops will offer convenience, value and quality which we believe will meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers.’

The new stores set to open are: (News & Gifts): Atlanta Daily World; Atlanta News; CNBC News; CNN News; Diverse News & Gifts; Midtown Magazine; Newsbeat; NY Times Books and News; Shellis News; Southern Living News. (Apparel/fashion accessories/jewellery): Brighton Collectibles; Brooks Brothers; Calvin Klein; Ermenegildo Zenga/Bvlgari; Lacoste; Luxe International; Reebok; Roca Wear; Salvatore Ferragamo; Sean John & Le Sport Sac; Swarovski. (Technology/gadgets/entertainment): Blackberry/Electronic Gadgets; Blockbuster; Radio Road; Tech Showcase. (Personal Care/Health/Beauty): Drugs & More/Aero Clinic; Lanc?me & Kiehl's; Lather; L'Occitane. Bookstores/Caf?s: Buckhead Books; Caf? Intermezzo; Simply Books; Simply Books/Briche Doree. (Convenience Stores): Centennial Park Travel Mart; Z Market. (Regional Gifts, Specialty Gifts & Souvenirs): All Atlanta; Atlanta Today; Atlanta Magazine's Home; Atlanta.net; Georgia Aquarium; Harley-Davidson; Mori Luggage; Panda Veranda; Savannah Candy Kitchen.

Atlanta Airport handled a total of 89.4m passengers in 2007 – more than any other airport in the world. Within this total it also handled 8,897,291 international departing and arriving passengers last year, a 10.2% increase on the 8,073,855 handled in 2006. It is currently investing more than $6bn in capital improvements, including a new $1.2bn 12-gate international terminal which is expected to open in 2011.

These gates can also be converted for domestic passenger use. However, the existing Terminal E – where duty free operator Aldeasa's 640sq m store is located under a five-year contract – is still expected to handle some international flights after the new terminal building opens. Aldeasa won the duty free contract at Atlanta Airport in 2007 and opened its large new store last June.

There are currently more than 200 concession outlets throughout the airport, including 89 food and beverage, outlets, 85 retail and convenience outlets and 55 staffed service outlets covering approximately 209,000 square feet.