Delaware North, one of the world’s largest privately owned hospitality companies in the world, has announced the opening of two new retail outlets at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). The outlets, Toy Joy®, located at Gate 10, and The Austin Chronicle Marketplace, near Gate 9, are part of the
airport’s recent nine-gate expansion.
“Austin provides an endless source of original and authentic retail concepts,” said Kevin Kelly, president of Delaware North’s travel division. “The city, and its many beloved stores and shops, are truly unique and we’re proud to bring that special part of Austin to travelers at the airport.”
Toy Joy is an Austin-born toy store that offers an array of eclectic toys, games and novelties. Toy Joy features a warm and endearing shopping experience while also offering an edgy and funky collection of fun, classic, nostalgic, retro, collectible and “a little weird” toys and gifts. The original Toy Joy store opened in downtown Austin in 1987 and currently operates two street-side stores in the city. Another part of the store is Yummi Joy, a companion brand offering candies from around the world, handmade fudge, truffles and other treats.
“Bringing the Toy Joy offerings and experience to travelers at Austin’s globally recognized airport has been a longtime desire of ours,” said Robby Pettinato, partner and brand director of Toy Joy. “It took a while to find the right partner and we couldn’t be more pleased with how Delaware North and their design agency, RGLA, have brought Toy Joy to life in the airport setting. Three years in the planning, you cannot miss the giant graphics and bright colors of our store as you walk down that concourse! We love doing our part to ‘Keep Austin Weird.’”
Named after Austin’s beloved weekly newspaper, The Austin Chronicle Marketplace offers travelers a one-stop-shop that integrates reading materials with other travel-convenience needs and essentials. Travelers will notice the clever connection of wayfinding that has the look and feel of the Austin Chronicle newspaper. The exterior wall represents an interaction point with travelers — triggering a great photo op for visitors to the city.
The opening is part of the ongoing dining and retail transformation at AUS. Delaware North has opened a variety of popular Austin-area restaurants and retail shops at the airport in the past two years. The award-winning dining outlets and retail outlets include expanded versions of Salt Lick BBQ and Annie’s Café, Peached Tortilla, JuiceLand, Flyrite Chicken Sandwiches, East Side Pies, Tacodeli, Haymakers and I VINI, as well as BookPeople and Tyler’s Austin Warehouse, featuring top-brand retail and souvenir items.
