Retail

Hudson launches vending concepts at American airports

Image courtesy of Hudson.

April 1, 2021

Hudson, a travel experience retailer with more than 1,000 stores in airports, commuter hubs, landmarks and tourist destinations across North America, has introduced a contactless, multi-brand automated retail concept, according to a press release.

"Automated retail provides us with an avenue to recreate the strong sense of place associated with our stores within the confines of a smaller, non-traditional footprint — all while capitalizing on the dwell time, exposure and convenience the airport environment affords," Brian Quinn, executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in the press release.

After launching first at Myrtle Beach International Airport on March 26, automated retail will continue to roll-out to other travel destinations such as Chicago Midway International Airport and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport in the coming months.

Travelers will find the ADA-compliant machines clustered together in groups of two or more in freestanding locations throughout the concourse or in some instances, built directly into the Hudson storefront. Next to the machines, interactive touchscreens sealed with an anti-microbial shield will showcase merchandise images and product information.

In concepts that feature eyewear brands, augmented reality technology installed directly into the machine's interface will allow travelers a fully-immersive, virtual try-on experience that enables them to browse and find frames.

Hudson team members will be on-site at nearby stores to provide service.

Each concept will be unique, from the merchandising selection to the brands represented, including: