Chicago O’Hare seeks T5 master retail developer

Gavin Lipsith

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The airport has issued a request for proposals for managing, operating and developing retail at its international terminal, worth more than $30m in yearly sales.

The City of Chicago Aviation Department has launched a request for proposals for a master developer to manage, operate and develop retail at Chicago O’Hare terminal five. The contract, which will last for eight years from the start date with an option to extend for two more years, covers 15 outlets covering duty-free, news and gifts, speciality retail and catering.

The successful bidder will be entitled to directly operate up to 50% of the 16,592sq ft (1,542sq m) available, and will be responsible for sub-letting the remaining outlets. The due date for submissions is March 30 at 5pm.

Chicago T5 accommodates all international arrivals at the airport, excluding those travelling by non-US airlines with pre-clearance facilities. In 2005 the terminal served 2m departing international passengers and 4.6m arriving passengers. Duty-free sales reached $18.1m, catering sales were $8.1m, news and gift sales were $5.5m and speciality retail sales were $0.5m.

In October 2006 the airport launched a tender for duty-free operations at its domestic terminals T1, T2 and T3. Combined duty-free sales of the terminals in 2005 was $15.1m.

The full request for proposals is available at: http://www.flychicago.com/doingbusiness/ORDT5concessionsrfp061229.pdf