Dufry-owned Hudson Group has officially opened its first Hudson Nonstop store using Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology at Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) on 22 February 2021.

The opening of Hudson Nonstop, which is operated under a joint venture agreement with ACDBE partners Multiplex Inc. and Regali Inc, complements Hudson’s existing footprint at DAL. This encompasses over 15 travel convenience and food and beverage stores, including various locally inspired concepts.

As reported, the Just Walk Out technology allows customers to pick up products in a physical store, pay for their items and leave.

Located post-security near Gate 10, the state-of-the-art 500sq ft store brings the excitement of an innovative, contactless shopping experience and the anticipation of the airport’s first walk-through shopping destination to life.

‘SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE’

Brian Quinn, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Hudson Group said: “The opening of our first Hudson Nonstop store is a significant milestone in delivering on Hudson’s vision for accelerated digital innovation instore and overall digital transformation across the business.

“Hudson Nonstop represents a new way of retailing that emulates an end-to-end digital shopping experience which we believe is the future of retail, even after Covid-19. We look forward to serving travellers in this exciting new store concept for years to come.”

The retailer says that the freestanding store design and designated single point of entry and exit provide a sleek aesthetic that welcomes DAL travellers in and allows them to easily navigate the store.

Acknowledging the need for social distancing protocols in the Covid-19 environment, the store is designed for one-way traffic and eliminates checkout-line friction to manage crowd control.

Travellers can seamlessly enter the Hudson Nonstop store by swiping their credit card or using ‘Tap to Pay’, take the products they’re looking for and leave.

The store merchandising layout provides visibility to products required for every travel journey, according to Hudson.

Those browsing leisurely or seeking a travel necessity can find a selection of grab & go food, beverages and snacks. Electronics, personal protective equipment and health and beauty products are also available. A selection of Texas-themed merchandise, inspired by the ‘rich history and charm’ of the Lone Star State will also be offered.

Evan Schut, Senior Vice President, Operations of Hudson remarked: “There is so much to celebrate as we welcome the first travellers to our Hudson Nonstop store at Dallas Love Field.

“We thank the DAL management team for their ongoing partnership, and are honoured to bring the first Hudson Nonstop store to an airport as collectively dedicated to transforming the travel experience as we are.”

Mark Duebner, Director of Dallas Love Field Airport concluded: “Hudson Nonstop is a tremendous amenity for our customers. “We want to keep our concessions programme fresh and are always looking for new technology to improve the customer experience.”

Having made its debut at DAL, Hudson is planning to introduce the Nonstop concept to additional North American airports in 2021.