HMSHost awarded Vancouver speciality stores

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HMSHost, the leading US airport retailer and food service provider, has been awarded a five-year contract for two new specialty stores at Vancouver International airport. The signing concludes an 18-month tender.

The two new stores, Gifts of the Raven and Exploration, are scheduled to open in the International Terminal Building on July 1 2002. Total revenues from both stores over the life of the contract are projected to exceed $10m.

Gifts of the Raven will offer gifts, jewellery, and indigenous Canadian art with a special emphasis on Northwest Coast First Nation artists and sources. This special concept will feature authentic native-designed jewellery pieces, original hand-carved masks, pottery, and clothing.

Exploration will have a science, education, and nature theme. Its design will showcase British Columbia's distinctive natural elements and environment. The merchandise will appeal to the family with a wide array of games and puzzles, science and model kits, telescopes, and craft kits.

The two new stores will join HMSHost's other Vancouver concessions such as Daily News, British Columbia and Beyond (regional gifts), Fish Market (seafood specialities) and Kid's Place (children's fashion). Host also operates food and beverage outlets at Vancouver such as Starbucks, Legends Bar, Pizza Hut, Big Apple Bagel, and Burger King.

HMSHost ceo John McCarthy said news of the award represented an outstanding opportunity to continue serving the Vancouver airport community and the people of British Columbia. "The Vancouver International Airport Authority has been an exceptional partner since our relationship first began in 1994, and we are very glad to help them expand their retail programme," he said.