WH Smith North America opens new stores at Albuquerque Sunport
By Naomi Chadderton |
WH Smith North America has strengthened its presence at Albuquerque International Sunport with the opening of eight new retail concepts designed to reflect the culture and creativity of New Mexico.
The latest additions — Duke City Station, Museum of New Mexico Foundation Shops, Los Poblanos, InMotion, Great Hall Landing, Globo Mercado, Nob Hill Necessities and Roadrunner Express — expand WH Smith North America’s portfolio at ABQ across both pre- and post-security areas.
“Albuquerque International Sunport is a gateway that truly reflects the spirit of New Mexico, and we’re proud to expand our presence with concepts that celebrate the region’s culture, creativity and local makers,” said Huw Crwys-Williams, CEO of WH Smith North America. “From Duke City Station to our partnerships with the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and beloved local brands like Los Poblanos, these openings reinforce our commitment to delivering a sense of place while meeting travellers’ everyday needs.”
At the heart of the expansion is Duke City Station, a nearly 3,000-square-foot urban marketplace located in the T-Connector. Inspired by Albuquerque’s rail yards and creative scene, the store showcases apparel, gifts, books, food and travel essentials from almost 50 New Mexico brands, including Meow Wolf, New Mexico United, University of New Mexico Press, Verde and Dion’s.
Developed in partnership with the Museum of New Mexico Foundation, the Museum of New Mexico Foundation Shops concept also sits within the T-Connector. The space highlights the state’s artistic and cultural heritage through sections inspired by five major institutions: the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, the Museum of International Folk Art, the New Mexico History Museum, the New Mexico Museum of Art and Vladem Contemporary. Proceeds from purchases support the Foundation’s educational and cultural programmes, with merchandise sourced from artists and makers across 43 New Mexico cities.
Los Poblanos, the historic 25-acre Rio Grande Valley property known for its organic farm, inn and spa, has introduced its signature lavender skincare, aromatherapy and pantry products to the terminal. The store features gift sets and exclusive collaborations rooted in the brand’s field-to-fork philosophy.
Technology-focused retail is represented by InMotion, the airport electronics specialist offering headphones, mobile accessories and portable power solutions, while Great Hall Landing provides a pre-security convenience format serving meeters, greeters and passengers with grab-and-go snacks and travel essentials alongside products from nearly 20 local makers.
In Terminal B, Globo Mercado draws inspiration from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, combining everyday travel needs with local treats in a colourful, festival-themed setting. Meanwhile, Terminal A is home to Nob Hill Necessities, a kiosk concept reflecting the character of Albuquerque’s Nob Hill district and featuring vegetarian grab-and-go offerings from local favourite Mata G, and Roadrunner Express, a streamlined convenience stop designed for speed and efficiency.
Acting Aviation Director Manny Manriquez commented: “These openings transform the Sunport into an even stronger reflection of Albuquerque’s identity. Travellers can now discover iconic New Mexico brands, art, and flavours the moment they arrive. We appreciate WH Smith North America’s commitment to honouring our community and helping us create an airport experience that feels distinctly like home.”
The multi-concept rollout reinforces WH Smith North America’s strategy of embedding strong local partnerships and sense-of-place storytelling into airport retail environments, while balancing convenience, speciality and experiential formats across the passenger journey.
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