Airport News
Gatwick Airport unveiled its revamped South Terminal departure lounge today (18 July) with 10 new store openings, as part of a £21m investment programme. Outlets included two airport firsts, Aspinal of London and Ernest Jones, which are available in airports for the first time in the UK.
A range of premium and designer brands including Kurt Geiger, Hugo Boss and Lacoste are also now available to passangers. Additionally, Harrods is set to open a 604m² department store focusing on fashion and accessories on 1 August. A further 12 new or refreshed retail outlets will complete the transformation of the South Terminal departure lounge later this year.
Spencer Sheen, head of retail at Gatwick, said, “As part of our multi-million investment programme we have spent £21m transforming the South Terminal International Departure Lounge into a state-of-the-art retail space. This is a huge step forward in improving the experience for our passengers and transforming Gatwick into London’s airport of choice, as well as setting the benchmark for airport retail in the UK.”
The retail space was developed with passenger feedback in mind. Brands worked closely with the airport to cultivate an understanding of Gatwick’s range of passengers to ensure the experience offered reflected travellers’ needs.
“Around 93% of our passengers visit a retail outlet before boarding and 86% will make a purchase so we need to offer them the right mix of services and products – whether it’s a luxury department store, family restaurant or high street favourite,” Sheen added.
In addition, a strong focus has been placed on technology in the stores including digital screens in Ernest Jones and tablets in Dixons, encouraging passengers to browse their complete range of products.
Samsung ‘info tablets’ will also be available across Gatwick from July and will be located in key dwell points throughout the airport. This will help deliver timely, accurate and personalised shopping updates to all passengers, from opening hours to locations of shops and restaurants. The tablets aim to streamline travellers’ journeys and enhance their experience.
Gatwick’s North Terminal retail space is also undergoing changes including the recent opening of the world’s first Ted Baker accessories-only store. A newly designed Fat Face store, as well as a new Boots Express, Lacoste and Superdry stores will also be opening in July.
