Denver International Airport has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for 'an asset manager' to implement and administer a new Retail Merchandising Unit (RMU) programme related to kiosks which will sell 'very specific or specialised

goods and services'.

Patrick Heck, DIA's Deputy Manager of Revenue Management, said the RMU programme is 'a great way to enhance the airport's retail offerings to its customers', as well as providing new and small-business owners with opportunities to join DIA's 'successful concessions programme'.

‘The RMU program will offer passengers unique and specialized products that are an addition to the airport's already strong retail offerings,’ said Heck.

‘RMUs will provide a key format for small-business entrepreneurs to obtain experience working in our airport's unique operating environment, as well as exposure to the lucrative airport marketplace.’

The asset manager selected by the airport will have overall responsibility to implement and operate DIA's RMU program. The company selected, working closely with the airport, will design and build the units that will be placed in various locations around the airport, contract with individual operators to run the units, and oversee storage and delivery management for each retailer.

In addition to targeting new and small-business owners for this programme, the airport also will require that at least 25% of the retailers in the RMU programme be minority- or women-owned businesses.

DIA's concessions programme currently consists of 167,457sq ft of retail space that includes more than 140 businesses offering F&B, fashion, news and gift, duty free and other retail services. DIA management says that its concessionaire programme currently generates over $250m a year in gross sales, and over $40m in revenue to the airport.

The asset manager RFP can be viewed and downloaded from the airport's web site, by following this link: http://business.flydenver.com/bizops/detail.asp?cid=1990′