East Rutherford, NJ – April 16, 2013 – The ribbon was cut today on premier travel retailer Hudson Group’s newest concept, called, simply, Hudson. Located in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s (SEA) Central Terminal, the 3,500 sq. ft. flagship store is the first large Hudson store to open. Hudson is the latest generation of the traditional Hudson News that has been part of the North American travel experience since 1987.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by representatives of the Port of Seattle, the airport, Hudson Group, its partners and mascot, Hudsy the News Hound. The gala event included product samplings and book signings by seven Seattle-based bestselling authors.
The Hudson concept moves beyond the traditional newsstand. It offers modern travelers a wider selection of the products they want and need in well-marked sections – Media, Essentials, Marketplace and Destination – that are easy to access and shop. The new sections feature more built-in, custom shelving and signage to speed shoppers toward the items they seek. The store features magazines and books, as well as electronics and media related items; health and beauty aids; healthy meals, snacks and beverages; and authentic local and regional merchandise from the Puget Sound region.
Hudson Group President and CEO Joe DiDomizio noted: “We have had the new Hudson concept under development for some time. As ‘The Traveler’s Best Friend,’ our goal was to redesign our core concept to create a more open, friendly and welcoming environment for travelers. We have accomplished this not only with the creation of ‘smart’ tablets mounted directly on our displays, but through whimsical, color-coded signage to attract customers’ attention to featured products and promotions.”
Hudson Group has been a vital part of Sea-Tac’s concessions program since 2004, when the airport opened its updated Concourse A. Along with local partners Randi Sibonga (MCSB, Inc.) and Ardie and Marques Warren (Warren News & Gifts), Hudson operates newsstands, bookstores, cafes, specialty and duty free shops in the airport.
About Hudson Group: Hudson Group, the largest duty-paid travel retailer in North America, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of international travel retailer Dufry AG (DUFN) of Basel, Switzerland. The company operates some 700 newsstands, bookstores, cafes, specialty retail and duty free shops in 70 airports and transportation terminals in the United States and Canada, and additional newsstands in 12 more countries around the world. Dufry operates over 1,200 stores in 43 countries and 155 airports and transportation terminals. Visit us at www.hudsongroup.com and www.dufry.com.
