US airport retailer Pacific Gateway has announced a partnership with point-of-sale business provider Revel Systems in a move to hasten pre-flight customer purchases.

Pacific Gateway will implement Revel Systems’ terminals and integrate expense reporting software Expensify in selected retailers and food & beverage outlets at San Jose International Airport, New York La Guardia International Airport and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

“Our partnership with Revel and Expensify is modernising and enhancing the travel experience,” said Joe Waller, CEO of Pacific Gateway.

“With Revel, we’re able to raise the bar in terms of user interface and system reliability. It’s maintaining our high speed of service standards since we operate extremely high volume retail concepts in very high trafficked airports around the country. By integrating Expensify, we reduce any friction or time cost our customers may have with expensing their purchases. Both companies are helping us create a seamless customer experience for business travellers.”

Outlets set to benefit from the partnership this year include Tumi, Swarovski and Kiehl’s at La Guardia; while Houston will introduce the partnership at its Tumi, Swarovski, Adrenaline, Kiehl’s, Jo Malone, Manready Mercantile and DR34M stores.

Meanwhile, Pacific Gateway has plans to convert 15 stores at San Francisco International Airport to Revel Systems over the next two years.

‘DISRUPTING’ AIRPORT RETAIL

In a statement, the partnership revealed plans to ‘disrupt the airport retail industry, a traditionally slower to evolve market’ as ‘travellers expect quick service that allows them to be efficient in an environment where every minute counts’.

Scott Betts, CEO of Revel Systems added: “The partnership with Pacific Gateway demonstrates how we’re improving travel by making it an easier and more enjoyable customer experience. We’re arming our clients with the tools to effectively improve how they run their business.

“With the added benefit of Expensify, who we initially integrated with last year, end-users have the ability to easily keep track of their expenses; it’s a win-win.”

Pacific Gateway’s airport retail brand portfolio includes the likes of Kiehl’s, Tumi, Swarovski, Jo Malone, See’s Candles, Ghirardelli Chocolate, Jamba Juice, Menchie’s Frozen Yoghurt, The New Stand and Peet’s Coffee.

The retailer first introduced Revel Systems last year in Minneapolis St. Paul and San Jose airports, locations at the latter of which account for over $10,000,000 in annual sales.