Hudson Group Wins Contracts to Develop Seven Additional News, Gift and Specialty Retail Concessions for Vancouver Airport Authority

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Nov. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) has awarded two new retail concessions contracts to Hudson Group that will bring innovative national brands and authentic local concepts -- news, gift and specialty retail -- to the airport's Domestic Terminal and Transborder areas. The contracts are expected to generate upwards of US $50 million over the life of the agreements, making Vancouver one of Hudson's largest programs.

"We are proud and honored to partner with Vancouver Airport Authority in the Domestic Terminal, as we have done in the Transborder area for the past five years," said Joseph DiDomizio, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Hudson Group. "In addition to our existing operations, the new awards bring to 25 the number of exciting news, gift, cafe and specialty retail concessions that Hudson operates in YVR."

According to YVR's Susan Stiene, Director of Retail & Passenger Services, "Hudson's blend of retail shops is designed to create excitement, allure and a real 'sense of place.' Once again, Hudson Group has exceeded our expectations with appealing concepts, great product selection and store designs that complement the overall theme of the airport."

For the news/gift component of the Domestic Terminal program, Hudson will create a state-of-the-art Hudson News, North America's only national newsstand brand. This travelers' haven will anchor the terminal's retail concessions program.

The contract also includes six distinctive specialty retail concepts: Daniel Le Chocolat Belge, Accessorize, Sunglass Hut, Discover BC/Crafthouse, and Vancouver Aquarium.

    Following is a description of each of the new specialty retail concepts:

    Daniel Le Chocolat Belge is a highly successful Canadian company offering
    "the finest chocolate experience." These delectable and luxurious
    Belgian-style chocolates are recognized internationally for their velvety
    texture, exquisite taste and all-natural ingredients.

    Accessorize is an international retailer of highly prized fashion
    accessories. With 11 stores across Canada and 300 worldwide, Accessorize
    is the perfect place to browse for that perfect "finishing touch" for any
    outfit. Accessorize focuses on fashionable and unique women's and
    children's accessories -- stylish fashion jewelry, handbags, scarves,
    hats, gloves and more.

    Sunglass Hut is a name synonymous around the world with the finest
    designer styles of sunglasses. With over 1,900 locations around the world,
    travelers flock to the big "SGH" to make a fashion statement at an
    affordable price. Its famous designer names -- Dolce & Gabanna,
    Burberry's, Oakley's, Prada, and many more -- are instantly recognizable.

    Discover BC, Hudson's successful gift and souvenir concept, features
    merchandise from Vancouver and the broader British Columbia area's fine
    museums and cultural attractions.

    Crafthouse expands on that base with a dynamic and ever-changing
    collection of products from the easels, looms, sewing machines and kilns
    of local artisans, as represented by the local Crafthouse cooperative.

    Vancouver Aquarium focuses on gifts, apparel and licensed logo souvenir
    items reflective of marine life and Vancouver's exciting family
    attraction, Vancouver Aquarium. One of the top five aquariums in North
    America, Vancouver Aquarium is one of the city's most popular attractions
    and has been an established icon in the community for over 50 years.

In a separate decision, YVR awarded Hudson an Olympic Store and temporary kiosk in the Transborder area. In less than three years, Vancouver will play host to the world at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The Olympic Store will offer travelers and sports enthusiasts the genuine article -- Olympics apparel, memorabilia and other highly prized merchandise that will be much in demand before, during and after the Games.

Concluded DiDomizio: "Hudson is thrilled to be a part of the ongoing growth and long-term improvement of YVR's award-winning concessions program. We are delighted with the opportunity to work closely with Vancouver Airport Authority to create a unique and genuine travel shopping experience with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and service."

About Hudson Group

Hudson Group is a privately held corporation that operates more than 500 premier specialty retail shops, newsstands and bookstores in 69 airports and transportation terminals throughout North America. The company's flagship concept, Hudson News, is North America's only national newsstand brand. Under the familiar blue sign can be found the most complete selection of magazines in the transportation industry, along with books, newspapers, and a wide variety of travelers' necessities, snacks and bottled soft drinks. Hudson Group specialty retail shops include such proprietary brands as Hudson Booksellers, Kids Works, Euro Cafe, $10/$15 Boutique, and more. National brands partnering with Hudson Group include CNN, Life is good, Roots, Discovery Channel, Crabtree & Evelyn, House of Blues, Sunglass Hut and Quiznos.