Concessions Update

NASA lands at Orlando

Orlando International Airport, with the help of astronaut Gene Cernan, opened the NASA Kennedy Space Center Store, the first destination-type store that allows airport visitors to explore one of America's most beloved destinations while they wait for their flights. In this one-of-a-kind retail destination, travelers can touch a piece of Mars, interact through videos exploring distant planets, shop for loved ones, or educate their children about the wonders of outer space. The store is operated by Delaware North Companies Parks and Resorts.

At Phoenix, Terminal 4 is 'hot'

The hottest retail center in the Arizona Valley doesn't have a Tiffany & Co., Ralph Lauren, or Louis Vuitton.But shoppers just can't seem to pass up retail inside Sky Harbor International Airport's Terminal 4, where T-shirts, books, and gum, generated some $1,689 per square foot in 2003. Not counting food, Terminal 4 retailers pulled in a healthy $28.4 million. One 400-square-foot newsstand rang up nearly $1.6 million.

Massage Bar popularity continues

Established in 1993, Massage Bar, Inc. operates seven locations providing seated massage. In August 2003, Massage Bar rolled out a new brand image, focusing on the 'natural and inviting.' The image features rich colors, textures, and materials including golden bamboo, three dimensional natural murals, and recycled rubber tire flooring.

Airport locations include Seattle-Tacoma International, Concourse C and North Satellite; Nashville Inter-national, Concourse C; Newark Liberty International, A Terminal; Newark Liberty International, A-3 Connector; and Washington Dulles International, Concourse B; www.massagebar.com.

Paradies - 45 years and counting

The Paradies Shops, an Atlanta-based airport concessionaire operating over 400 stores in 61 airports across the U.S. and Canada, is a family-owned business established in 1960. With experience in operating both local and national brands, including CNBC, PGA TOUR, Brooks Brothers, Brighton Collectibles, Harley Davidson, and The New York Times Company, The Paradies Shops maintains a presence operating in more airports than any other retail concessionaire; www.theparadiesshops.com.

New shops at BWI

The AIRMALL at the Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) recently introduced Charlie Chiang's KWAI and Mayorga Coffee as the latest local brands opening up shop. They join the ranks of international retailers - Auntie Anne's Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels, Borders, Nectar, and Sunglass Hut - also opening new locations at BWI. The new retail and concessions program, being phased in over the next 18 to 24 months by developer BAA Maryland and the Maryland Aviation Administration, is part of the state's $1.8 billion capital expansion program at the airport.

An eye on taxes

Buying a burger at Louis Armstrong International Airport could get a bit more expensive if the legislature approves a bill being pushed by Kenner Mayor Phil Capitano to raise sales taxes at the facility to nearly 14 percent. The tax would affect car rental companies doing business at the airport as well as concessions. The bill would let the Kenner City Council increase a special airport sales tax from 2 percent to 5 percent, increasing the total sales tax at the airport to 13.75 percent. The sales tax rate in the rest of Jefferson Parish is 8.75 percent.

Company briefs...

• Anton Airfood Inc., an award-winning airport food and beverage concessionaire, now has operations in 21 airports in North America ranging from upscale to branded casual dining, branded coffee or QSR. The company is able to custom develop a program for any size airport with national, regional and original brands; www.airfood.com.
  
  
• SmartConnect, a leading provider of video-centric business intelligence solutions, announces the availability of Restaurant Vision On Demand, a loss prevention system that helps restaurant operators combat the ongoing problem of employee theft. SmartConnect's Restaurant Vision systems help operators turn video surveillance into a proactive, efficient loss prevention tool; visit www.smartconnect.net.
  
  
• Unison-Maximus, Inc. has experience planning, implementing, and managing airport retail concessions. At more than 40 airports nationwide, the company helps airports increase revenues and passenger satisfaction by creating programs that address the individual needs of each airport client. For more information, contact Judith Byrd, sr. VP, 312-988-3360, ext. 28; http://unisonmaximus.com.