LaGuardia Gateway Partners (LGP), the private entity operating and redeveloping LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B, today announced the first set of retail and service options for travelers, opening later this year as part of the new state-of-the-art terminal. The shops will be located in the eastern concourse of the new terminal, which is part of the $8 billion overhaul of the entire airport first unveiled by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2015.
The concourse will feature the latest New York City location and first airport concept for the legendary New York toy store FAO Schwarz, as well as offerings from SoHo based independent bookseller McNally Jackson, Hudson, LaGuardia Dufry Duty Free Shops, M∙A∙C, District Market and Spa Here.
Each offering takes inspiration from the New York experience, featuring famed New York businesses that visitors know and love and a mix of exciting regional and national brands that passengers are looking for.
“The latest retail offerings in the new Terminal B promise a best in class visitor experience that both New Yorkers and travelers can be proud of,” said Ed Baklor, Chief Commercial Officer of LaGuardia Gateway Partners. “By listening to guest feedback and collaborating with our partners, we’ve created a unique environment you can only find at LaGuardia Terminal B, featuring the best of New York City.”
“We are thrilled to be working with Hudson Group to bring the brand’s wonder and innovation to the airport community,” said David Conn, CEO of ThreeSixty Group, the company that owns FAO. “The experiences that the brand can bring to those travelling through LaGuardia’s Terminal B will be unlike any other, and Hudson Group is the perfect partner to execute that theatre and excitement.”
In addition to the mix of award-winning New York brands and products, the new Terminal B will also feature District Market, a custom designed shop including local Made in Queens products through a partnership with the Queens Economic Development Council (QEDC).
“Showcasing Made in Queens (MIQ) products at District Market, operated by The Marshall Retail Group at LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B will be an opportunity for local manufacturers to bring their product to national markets. It will also give visitors the chance to purchase truly unique items representing the best that Queens has to offer,” says Sante Antonelli, Director of Business Services for the Queens Economic Development Council.
The new concepts are the product of a meticulous selection process, using consumer feedback to bring world-renowned brands and NYC favorites to Terminal B while also creating local jobs in Queens.
“We are thrilled to be part of the new transformative Terminal B at LaGuardia,” said Marisol Binn, Founder and CEO of Spa Here. “Like LaGuardia Gateway Partners, our focus is on guest experience. Spa Here will immerse Terminal B passengers in traditional spa therapies, convenience and luxury so they depart refreshed in the shortest possible time.”
The new Terminal B will open in phases – all starting later this year with the first gates in the terminal’s eastern most concourse, featuring these new retail partners. These shops will join the recently announced Concourse B food and beverage partners: Shake Shack, Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, Osteria Fusco, La Chula Bar & Taqueria, Kingside Bar & Restaurant, and Five Boroughs Market. Overall, more than 50 new restaurants, shops and services will be available to guests as part of the terminal redevelopment and an even more robust offering of food and retail will arrive in the main part of the terminal and in the western concourse.
In July 2015, Governor Cuomo unveiled the vision for a comprehensive development of LaGuardia Airport. The $8 billion project, 80 percent of which is funded through private financing and existing passenger fees will create a unified 21st century terminal system. It is a complex, multi-phased project, requiring the construction of a new airport on top of an existing one while remaining fully operational. The project includes a new Terminal B; a new Terminal C – replacing the current Terminals C and D; an improved roadway system; new parking infrastructure and other associated projects.
The $5.1 billion, 1.3-million square foot redevelopment of Terminal B is one of the largest public-private partnerships in American history and the largest in U.S. aviation. The new 35-gate Terminal B will replace the existing Central Terminal Building and drastically improve the travel experience for both passengers and airlines.
New LaGuardia Terminal B Retail & Services Offerings
District Market
A stop at District Market will remind Terminal B travelers of the energy and diversity of New York City. From grab-and-go food and beverages with a NYC flair to curated gifts from “Made in Queens” through a partnership with the Queens Economic Development Corporation, District Market is a New York-style experience from the moment customers walk in the door.
FAO Schwarz
FAO Schwarz has been a brand synonymous with quality and innovation, offering an unparalleled selection of extraordinary toys that have enchanted generations and cultivated a loyal clientele. With over one hundred fifty years of operation, FAO Schwarz draws inspiration and will incite one-of-a-kind experiences for passengers. With FAO’s strong New York City heritage, Terminal B passengers will now be greeted with the brand’s wonder and innovation when traveling through the City’s most iconic airport. LaGuardia’s FAO Schwarz location will feature an FAO Schweetz shop-in-shop experience, offering classic and nostalgic candy treats from everyone’s favorite toy store.
Hudson
Hudson, an iconic New York City staple, is an internationally-recognized travel essentials and convenience concept designed with customer ease at its core. Divided into four major categories and color-coded for ease of navigation, Hudson delivers the lifestyle shopping experience preferred by today’s traveler. Inspired by the iconic Hudson News brand which came to life in LaGuardia back in 1987, the new format offers the hottest new products in various categories including travel and convenience necessities, tasteful local souvenirs and electronics, books, magazines, snacks and beverages.
LaGuardia Duty Duty Free
Domestic passengers will now have the chance to shop for an excellent assortment of cosmetics and fragrances, fashion accessories, and confections. International passengers – traveling to destinations such as Canada – will appreciate the selection of tobacco products, wines and spirits.
M∙A∙C
A beauty brand with a NYC headquarters that has become the world’s leading professional makeup authority. With strong pigmentations and products suited for everyday wear, M∙A∙C
offers an individualized merchandise mix and category breadth that appeals to all ages, complexions, and skin types.
McNally Jackson
An independent bookseller at the epicenter of Manhattan’s literary culture. McNally Jackson is a true mecca for book lovers and offers something for everyone, meeting the tastes of true bibliophiles and collectors to casual readers just looking for a good read.
SpaHere
Spa Here delivers therapeutic and relaxing spa and grooming services to travelers in an environment designed to eliminate external pressures and reduce stress and fatigue. At Spa Here™ every passenger enjoys their own space while a licensed therapist provides exceptional spa treatments and first-class customer service in the most luxurious, personalized and tranquil setting.
