Edmonton to launch RFPs on revised retail plan

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Canada's fifth busiest airport Edmonton, is in the final stages of retail planning for its new central hall, the architectural showpiece that will link the new and old parts of the airport terminals.  The central hall (pictured), opening in summer 2003, will house all the airport's security facilities and will be the main focus for retail. The project follows on from the airport's south terminal renovation, which created some new and refurbished retail facilities including two duty-free shops, operated by Aer Rianta International (ARI).

Edmonton Airports real estate services coordinator, Mareena Bobey told TRW: "We are in the process of re-evaluating our retail plan in light of the changes that have taken place within our terminal building and as a result of September 11. We have hired Sypher:Mueller International to assist us with this review."
 
The majority of new retail will be located adjacent to the central security area located within the central hall. Upon completion of the central hall Edmonton will have over 16,300sq ft (1,515sq m) of retail and food & beverage space. The breakdown of space is as follows: approximately 6,700sq ft (627sq m) food & beverage, 8,600sq ft (799sq m) of speciality and convenience retail and 1,000sq ft (93sq m) for a new duty-free outlet (to replace an existing temporary unit). 
 
In terms of duty-free, Edmonton will have two duty-free outlets (operated by ARI), one servicing US-bound passengers utilising the US preclearance facility and one to service all other international traffic. 
 
In terms of speciality and convenience retail, all existing contracts conclude upon the opening of central hall.

"It is our intention to conduct Request For Proposals for the new retail space.  We anticipate that RFPs for this space will be undertaken later this summer," said Bobey.

Edmonton is in the process of finalising the retail mix, however, in addition to a bookstore and newsstand concession, the airport is interested in an outdoor sports/golf shop, casual clothing, local gifts and souvenirs, children's toys/clothing, and accessories and other categories. The outlet types will be further defined and outlined within the RFP.