Airport Experience® News - Retail & Services Issue 2025

SEPTEMBER 2025

Dear Readers,

SEPTEMBER 2025 / V23 N265

As the summer winds down, it’s important to assess the changes that are coming at our industry at breakneck speed. Like many of you, I’ve been to multiple airports this summer and have witnessed firsthand the infrastructure development and concessions evolution underway at each. Last month, the AXN team focused its coverage on the evolving food and beverage concepts and strategies at North American airports. Now, with this September issue we’ve turned our attention to retail. Check out our coverage of how the news/travel essentials offering has shifted to better meet the needs of today’s travelers, incorporating unique, artisan offerings, more grab-and-go options and more experiences to wow customers. We also examine how apparel – with the correct parameters – is making headway as a standout specialty retail component. The centerpiece of this issue touches on retail, F&B and all aspects of airport terminal development with a deep-dive into the escalating build-out costs faced by operators, the unpredictable tariffs and their impact on capital planning and the general economic uncertainty throughout North America. The story is evolving and will no doubt be a central theme in our coverage for months to come. Looking ahead, the October/November issue will focus on customer service, followed by our annual, year-end leadership issue. We’re also planning the 2026 Airport Experience Conference, with agenda and details to be announced soon.

THE RETAIL & SERVICES ISSUE

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS EVOLVE TO MEET CHANGING DEMANDS

APPAREL FINDS AIRPORT NICHE ECONOMIC

UNCERTAINTY COMPLICATES BUILD-OUT PLANS

Happy Reading,

Carol Ward Editor-in-Chief

Airport Experience News carol@airportxnews.com

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AX NEWS SEPTEMBER 2025