Sydney airport to have first ever Lonely Planet store

Nicole Mezzasalma

Print Article E-Mail Article E-Mail Author

The concept store will be operated by Lagardère Services Asia Pacific and is scheduled to open in mid-2009

Travel guide publisher Lonely Planet and retail operator Lagardère Services Asia Pacific have partnered to open the first ever Lonely Planet concept store at Sydney International airport terminal one. The 90sq m (968sq ft) outlet, scheduled to open in mid-2009 and designed by Studio Red, is part of the airport’s A$500m ($475.4m) international terminal redevelopment plan.

The shop will sell the full range of Lonely Planet books and a range of travel accessories and gift items. It will also feature online interactive portals showcasing Lonely Planet’s digital content, and staff will be trained to offer specific travel advice to travellers.

Lagardère Services Asia Pacific CEO Scott Raisin said: "Our team has worked on this project intensively for over a year. Our vision was to create a dynamic travel-retail offer with an intrinsic link to the very act of travel itself. For us there was only one brand that epitomised this vision—Lonely Planet. It has been an amazing experience to watch the concept evolve, shaped by the different expertise of airport operator, retailer and supplier. I think the end result will be something quite remarkable that we will be able to expand in Australia and beyond."

Lonely Planet sales and marketing director Howard Ralley added: "The opening of the first Lonely Planet store is an exciting evolution for our brand. It's something we've discussed for some time. By working creatively with Lagardère Services and Sydney airport we have been able to plan a really interesting travel hub for travellers right before they head overseas."

Sydney Airport Corporation Limited general manager retail Derek Larsen concluded: "We are delighted to be part of the development of the Lonely Planet store, and that such an exciting concept will have its world debut at Sydney airport. The concept fits beautifully with our vision for T1."