Alpha breaks new ground at Birmingham

Dermot Davitt

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In a breakthrough for the company, Alpha Retail has secured the news-stand contract for Birmingham International airport terminal one

It will operate four shops under its World News fascia and replaces WH Smith as the operator. WH Smith had been running the operation for more than 20 years.

Alpha said the contract would generate turnover of £60m ($110m) over the course of the seven-year contract.

WH Smith will hand over the first three shops by January 2005, with the remaining shop in the departure lounge being transferred 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 our successful World News operation in Birmingham T1. Alpha Retail is pleased to be expanding its specialist operations at Birmingham, which include World News in T2, plus Bookbound in terminals one and two."

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

In addition to the news-stand and bookshop retail contracts at Birmingham, Alpha Retail also operates Alpha Airport Shopping, fragrances and cosmetics, Zinq watches, sunglasses and jewellery. Alpha Airport Catering also has two catering concessions, Bar 08 and Deli Sandwich Bar.