Alpha opens World News Café at Edinburgh

Emily Pacey

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Plasma screens take centre stage at Alpha Retail’s news, books and coffee shop concept at Edinburgh airport

Alpha Retail has unveiled its eighth World News Café at Edinburgh airport’s new £19m ($37m) terminal extension.

The outlet covers 170sq m (1,830sq ft) and combines the retailer’s news and books concept with a coffee shop. World News Café features plasma screens broadcasting the news as well as internet connections and power sockets for laptops. A further network of plasma screens called World News Airplay runs continuous promotional messages. In addition, permanent flight information screens provide passengers with up-to-date flight information.

One-third of the new unit is dedicated to the books and news selection. The outlet also offers confectionery, magazines, a range of travel accessories, toiletries and destination gifts.  A range of stationery has also been introduced. The remaining two-thirds of the unit is dedicated to the catering area, which can seat up to 50 customers.

Alpha Retail managing director Reg Curtis said: “This opportunity has enabled us, with the input of BAA, to expand our offer to meet the needs of ever more discerning customers, and makes a strong addition to the overall retail offer. Initial sales and penetration into the unit have been strong.”

In other news, Edinburgh airport managing director Richard Jeffrey has stood down after a management reshuffle last month resulted in BAA’s two other Scottish airports – Glasgow and Aberdeen – also gaining new managing directors. Jeffrey, who occupied the post for six years, will be replaced by David Johnston, at present operations director for a lighting company.