Alpha Retail lands Birmingham T1 news contract

Dermot Davitt

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Alpha replaces WH Smith with its World News concession

Alpha Retail has secured the confectionery, tobacco and news (CTN) contract at Birmingham International airport terminal one. The company will operate four shops under its World News fascia, replacing WH Smith, which has run the operation for more than 20 years.

Alpha said the contract would generate turnover of £60m ($108m) over the course of its seven-years.

WH Smith will hand over the first three shops in January 2005, and its remaining departure lounge shop in December 2006.

Alpha's World News division managing director Steve Buckley said: "We have a long trading history with the airport, and we are looking forward to introducing World News in T1. Alpha Retail is pleased to be expanding its specialist operations at Birmingham, which currently include World News in T2, and Bookbound in T1 and T2."

Birmingham International airport head of commercial market development Ray Savage added: "Alpha's existing World News operation in T2 has demonstrated the company's ability to deliver high standards in a fast-changing airport environment. We are working hard with Alpha to ensure a smooth transition, and look forward to developing our relationship further to create a seamless retail experience for our passengers."

In addition to the CTN and bookshop retail contracts, Alpha Retail also currently operates Alpha Airport Shopping, fragrances and cosmetics outlets and Zinq?a watches, sunglasses and jewellery store. Alpha Airport Catering runs two catering concessions, Bar 08 & Deli Sandwich Bar.