Chicago airport retail performance surprises

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Despite the slump in air travel, retail revenues at Chicago O'Hare airport rose slightly by 2% in 2001 while sales at Chicago Midway's new concessions triangle, opened July 2001, soared 20% higher than expected

The figures, released by the Chicago Aviation Department, run counter to predictions from major US airport concessionaires who say they will lose almost $450m in sales between late 2001 and late 2002 .

With flight and passenger numbers creeping toward pre-September 11 levels, Chicago concession figures for early 2002 are even stronger. Operators at Chicago O'Hare reaped nearly $1m in increased revenues in January, and $1.2m in February, compared to a year earlier. At the domestic Chicago Midway airport, revenues beat projections by 22% and 27%, respectively, for the two months.

Strong local Chicago concepts, passengers arriving earlier for their flights and not being served in-flight meals contributed to the surprisingly strong peformance, officials said.