The 2025 Edition of ACI World’s World Airport Traffic Dataset confirmed ATL as the busiest airport on the planet for total passengers in 2024, welcoming more than 108 million pax. Photo: Shutterstock/Markus Mainka

The City of Atlanta has awarded Avolta’s Hudson brand two 10-year contracts to open 20 new retail stores, including two hybrid concepts, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Spanning nearly 1,800 sqm, the stores will be located in Concourses T, A, B, and C, as well as within the airport’s Domestic Atrium, and are set to launch in early 2026.

This expanded partnership under ATL Skypointe is the result of a competitive proposals process, with Hudson securing the two distinct retail packages prepared in collaboration with local, certified ACDBE partners.

“ATL is building a concessions programme that reflects the diverse desires and needs of its global audience, and we are honoured to be selected as a partner to collaborate on its retail revitalisation,” said Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta.

“This opportunity reflects the strong alignment and trust between our two organisations, and we’re committed to delivering a shopping experience that truly serves travellers.”

Hudson currently operates around 40 locations at ATL, including Brookstone, TUMI, Michael Kors, MAC Cosmetics, Kiehl’s, and a variety of travel convenience stores.

Under the new contract, it will expand its retail offering to feature additional locations for big name brands including TUMI, Kiehl’s and Johnston & Murphy.

Furthermore, travellers will be able shop tech and beauty brands at Hudson’s proprietary concepts iPorte and Simply Beauty.

Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta.

Hudson’s SoAtlanta will blend national speciality brands, including sunglasses, apparel and cosmetics, with exclusive local items, while two new Ink by Hudson bookstores will offer a curated collection of popular and specialty books, including picks by local indie bookstore 44th & 3rd.

As part of contracts, Hudson will partner with more than 200 local small businesses, including Atlanta Beltline Marketplace, to bring authentic, locally crafted retail products to the fore.

This will be brought to life via a collection of travel convenience stores created exclusively for ATL: Maple and Magnolia, Atlanta Beltline by Hudson (a hybrid concept with Costa Coffee), Westside Co., Atlanta Magazine, UrbanOak by Hudson (a hybrid concept with Starbucks) and Shellis News.

Additionally, Hudson will honour Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement at Atlanta Reflections and the city’s rich HBCU heritage at Legacy ATL.

“Hudson’s expanded presence at ATL marks an exciting new chapter in our concessions programme,” said Tyronia Smith, Senior Deputy General Manager for Hartsfield-Jackson.

Their presence aligns with our mission of delivering travellers an unparalleled blend of global brands, innovative retail concepts, and locally inspired offerings that reflect the spirit of Atlanta.”

Digital technology is highlighted as an ‘essential part’ of the new shopping experience, with in-store technology such as self-checkout helping to create a frictionless journey for guests.

Travellers will also be able to access the benefits of the Club Avolta loyalty programme, such as exclusive offers, rewards and cross-promotions.

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