Shopping

Phoenix Sky Harbor Int’l will upgrade Terminal 3

Food, Shopping, , ,

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is going give its Terminal 3 a makeover, with lots of local dining options and fresh new shops. All should be open by 2010.

In addition to a branch of Shake Shack, locally-themed dining venues coming from both airport dining operators Host International and SSP American in the mix will include:

  • The Parlor– Wood oven pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, salads and more;
  • Mustache Pretzel – Gourmet pretzels, dips and drinks.
  • Postino – bruschetta boards, salads, sandwiches, beer, wine and more.
  • Joyride Taco House –  Tacos, burritos, craft cocktails and more.
  • Tru Burger Co. –Specialty burgers from a local favorite.
  • Original ChopShop – Salads, protein bowls, sandwiches, fresh juices and more.
  • Uberrito Fresh Mex –Burritos, tacos, and more are available at this fresh-Mexican eatery.
  • Phoenix Ale Brewery Central Kitchen – Locally-brewed beer makes,, pub fare, salads, craft beer and more.
  • Leoni’s Focaccia – Sandwiches made with cured Italian meats, focaccia bread, and a variety of cheeses.
  • Ajo Al’s Mexican Café – An Arizona original.
  • Crave Grounds – Fresh donuts with locally-roasted coffees and specialty teas.
  • The Tavern – From Phoenix Chef Mark Tarbell. Salads, sandwiches, burgers, and a variety of entrees.
  • Christopher’s Crush – From James Beard award winner Chef Gross, a local restaurant with a variety of pizzas, salads, entrees, meats and cheeses and more.

Some of the locally-themed retail concepts on the way include:

  • Discover Arizona– Arizona-themed gifts, souvenirs, books and more.
  • Indigenous/Mosaic – Combines two popular Sky Harbor stores. Ceramics, jewelry, artwork, collectibles.
  • Lolli and Pops – Candies, edible items and more.
  •  Travel Outfitters – Luggage and travel accessories from a local store that also has locations in Chandler and Scottsdale.

Some of these new outlets will open in late 2018/early 2019 as part of the Terminal’s new South Concourse. The rest should open when in 2020 when the north concourse renovation is finished. More details here.

 

Books, Shopping, , , ,

A rare and much-loved amenity at Raleigh=Durham International Airport is closing this week after serving passengers for almost 34 years.

2nd ed. Booksellers – a used bookstore located post-security at RDU – is closing it doors on December 31 after 33 and half years at the airport.

“It is quite sad to see it go, but it is time to retire as I have arthritis issues that strongly recommend that I stop lifting and toting boxes of books,” owner Walter High, who operates the store with his wife Karen, wrote on the store’s Facebook page. “We will miss our faithful customers and RDU will lose one of its most unique aspects. A used bookstore behind security at the airport doesn’t happen anywhere else in the US that we know of.Thank you all for your support over the years!”

RDU’s used bookshop was a favorite with travelers and a rarity at an airport. Two other airports have bookstores (that I know of) that also sell used books: Renaissance Book Shop at Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport and a branch of Powell’s Books (selling new and used books) at Portland International Airport.” But these are pre-security.

Pop-up shops at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Shopping,

Several pop-up shops have popped up at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport- just in time for holiday shopping.

A bonus free-for-anyone lounge has returned as well.

Fans of Frango candies (created in Chicago back in 1929) will be pleased to find a Frango holiday boutique in Terminal 1, Concourse B, near gate B12 selling Frango cholate truffles in a vareity of classic and limited holiday flavors.

InMotion Entertainment, selling technology tools and gadgets, has a bonus pop-up shop in Terminal 2 and the Pop Gallery store, offering art, print and books, along with collectibles and toys, has popped in Terminal 3.

O’Hare has also brought back the Fly with Butch O’Hare Lounge, which first appeared at O’Hare last summer. The lounge is decked out in holiday trimmings and offers travelers comfortable chairs and chargng stations – and a nod to Butch O’Hare, the World War II Hero who is the airport’s namesake.

 

Travel Tidbits: KLM holiday sweater+ Swanky Air Canada suite

Lounges, Shopping, ,

Air Canada opens  a new 6,400 square-foot Air Canada Signature Suite on December 1 for full fare paying international business customers at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

The swanky new suite is located by Air Canada’s international departure gates at Toronto Pearson, can accommodate up to 160 premium customers and offers a complimentary, full-service restaurant offering à la carte dining as well as a cocktail lounge space, hors d’œuvres, snacks, a quiet sitting area and concierge service. Nice!

 

Need a fun – or quirky – holiday gift for your favorite frequent flyer?

KLM is selling “Flying Home for Christmas” sweaters – for $35.55 (plus shipping)- in its on-line shop, where you can also find blood pressure monitors and snore stoppers along with other travel gadgets, electronics, perfume and gift-worthy items.