Comfort in Travel
Transportation hubs adapting to modern travelers’ needs
Retail is evolving within global travel hubs, airports and train stations. Emily Hamilton of Chain Store Age notes that by 2023 the airport retail market is expected to reach $125.1 billion in sales. “The focus needs to shift from making money from airlines to making money from passengers,” Hamilton writes. The shift will focus on converting the existing transit spaces to adaptive retail ecosystems.
Don’t expect shopping and eating experiences to disappear—they will adapt to your everyday needs. Companies like Airport Sherpa and At Your Gate have kickstarted food delivery services within terminals. Innovative brands are taking advantage of temporary available space with pop-ups. JLL indicates that successful future pop-ups in airports will be experience-based, with a focus on new products, local brands, and high-end collections.
Owners and operators are envisioning terminals to be “kinder, gentler” destinations, suggests Elaine Glusac of Virtuoso. Comfort within airports will significantly increase. Expect travelers to enjoy added amenities such as Goodlife Fitness in Toronto’s Pearson Airport and Union Station. Travels may enjoy a variety of gardens and cinemas at Changi Airport in Singapore. Expect the unexpected as transportation hubs worldwide become destinations rather than transitory places.
This story is brought to you by guest writer Brandon Graska.