Paradies Lagardère, Pacific Gateway Concessions LLC, the Marshall Retail Group and Dufry’s Hudson Group have all submitted letters of interest to Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) in New Orleans in response to an RFP for a news, gifts and specialty retail package at the airport’s new North Terminal.

 

All the companies mentioned say they will work with local companies and brands to deliver an authentic New Orleans retail and dining experience at the airport. However, concepts proposed by the bidders also include well-known international brands.

 

Announced in April 2013, the new North Terminal will be constructed on the north side of the existing Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) property, creating significant opportunities for local businesses and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) in the region. One of these DBEs to enter the airport could be Marshall Retail Group, which was approached directly by the City of Orleans to submit a proposal for the concessions package mentioned above.

 

Marshall Retail Group says it is ‘America’s largest, independent specialty retailer in the casino-resort and airport marketplace’. The 60 year-old retail development company currently operates more than 160 stores across the United States and Canada.

 

NORTH TERMINAL STATS

In total, the new 820,000 square-foot terminal will feature 35 gates, a 2,200-car parking garage, a central utility plant and a ground transportation staging area.

 

 

The RFP stipulates the inclusion of duty free, duty paid, news, gifts, food & beverage units as part of its concessions package for the North Terminal.

 

The anticipated funding of the $110m expansion will be through airport bonds and the project is on track to be complete by October 2018.

 

In January 2016, Mayor Mitch Landrieu joined the New Orleans Aviation Board (NOAB), regional elected officials, business and tourism leaders to break ground on the new North Terminal complex.

 

THE COMPETITION…

Dufry’s Hudson is already in a strong position as it and its joint venture partners have been operating concessions at MSY since 2004 and have close ties with the airport’s surrounding communities. The company took over as Master Concessionaire at the end of 2003 with the acquisition of WHSmith.

 

Atlanta-based Paradies backed by Lagardère Travel Retail is also a strong contender as an operator of more than 850 stores in 98 airports across North America, registering more than $800m in FY2015.

 

Pacific Gateway Concessions (PGC), which was founded in 1998 by five Californian entrepreneurs believes it provides alternative concepts to its larger competitors. The company generates around $70m in annual sales from 65 locations at nine airports, including San Francisco, JFK and Houston.

 

 

Interestingly, Paradies along with HMSHost and SSP America have submitted letters of interest to the airport for a food & beverage RFP.