Sachin Walls
Airports are a haven for small businesses, with hundreds of thousands of people passing through their doors every day. Many passengers opt to bring their own entertainment, such as books or magazines, but a large number also choose to pass the time by shopping. So, what sells well in an airport? The most popular items include snacks, beverages, comfort items, souvenirs, and skincare products from duty-free shops. In addition, local specialties, such as sports merchandise, tend to be popular. However, some items, like bottled water, souvenirs, and neck pillows, are often overpriced and should be purchased elsewhere if possible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Food and beverages | Snacks, bottled water, comfort foods, local specialties, candy |
| Entertainment | Books, magazines, newspapers, vinyl records |
| Travel essentials | Neck pillows, blankets, socks, headphones, chargers |
| Convenience | Souvenirs, gifts, travel-sized toiletries, skincare products, cosmetics |
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Snacks and drinks
When it comes to snacks and drinks at the airport, it's a good idea to consider options that are easy to eat on the go and that will keep you satisfied and energised during your flight. Here are some suggestions for snacks and drinks that sell well at airports:
Drinks
- Water: It is recommended to stay hydrated while travelling, so water is a good option. You can bring an empty bottle and fill it up after passing through security, or buy bottled water at the airport.
- Bottled beverages: Nutritionists suggest opting for bottled drinks instead of those from fountains to reduce the risk of bacterial ingestion.
- Sugar-free fizzy drinks: These can provide a boost of energy without the sugar crash. Brands like Olipop, Culture Pop, and Poppi offer sugar-free options.
Snacks
- Nuts: Nuts are a good source of plant-based protein and healthy fats. Some options include flavoured cashews, such as Sahale Snacks pomegranate-vanilla cashews, or quinoa-based clusters, bars, or crisps, like Undercover's dark-chocolate-and-cherry quinoa crisps.
- Popcorn: Popcorn is a whole grain that provides fibre and can help with digestion. Lesser Evil's Himalayan Gold popcorn, made with butter-flavored coconut oil and Himalayan sea salt, is a dairy-free option.
- Shelf-stable snacks: Bars, trail mixes, and hard cheeses are shelf-stable options that can fill you up without causing any stomach discomfort during your flight.
- Fresh food: Farmer's Fridge, a refrigerated vending machine, offers fresh and ready-to-eat meals like the pesto pasta bowl, which can be a good option if you're looking for something more substantial.
- Baked snacks: Baked snacks, such as Harvest Snaps (made from green peas), can be a lighter alternative to regular chips, providing fibre and protein to keep you full during your trip.
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Local specialities
Local specialties are a great way to entice travellers to buy souvenirs and food items at the airport. At Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, Garrett Popcorn, a local favourite, is a top seller, with over 47,000 one-gallon tins sold in 2016. Local food products, such as honey from the airport's apiary, are also popular at the O'Hare Farmers' Market. Similarly, locally-made Sweet Girl Cookies and Queen Charlotte's Original Pimento Cheese are customer favourites at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Denver International Airport sells almond toffee made in nearby Grand Junction, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport sells locally-made ballpark-style mustard. These local food items offer travellers a taste of the region and a memorable souvenir to take home.
In addition to food, airports also sell unique local merchandise that travellers may not find elsewhere. For example, sports-related memorabilia sells well at the AIRMALL at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, scorpion suckers (hard candy with a scorpion inside) are a unique local specialty that attracts attention. Local crafts and artwork can also be a draw for travellers looking for authentic souvenirs.
Airports can partner with local businesses to offer a range of specialty retail options. For instance, at Newark Liberty International Airport, travellers can purchase vinyl records and record players from the CBGB L.A.B (lounge and bar) in Terminal C. This unique offering provides travellers with a taste of the local music culture.
By offering local specialties, airports can provide travellers with a sense of place and a connection to the region. It allows travellers to discover and support local businesses and take home a piece of their travel experience. Local specialties also add variety to the typical airport offerings and can be a significant source of revenue for airports and local businesses alike. Overall, local specialties are a win-win for both travellers and the airports.
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Comfort items
Blankets and Soft, Fluffy Socks
Cozy blankets and soft, fluffy socks can be a welcome addition for passengers facing a lengthy flight. These items offer warmth and comfort, especially on long-haul journeys where the cabin temperature may drop during sleep. By providing a sense of warmth and coziness, these items can make a significant difference in a passenger's overall travel experience.
Neck Pillows
Neck pillows are another popular comfort item at airports. They provide crucial neck support and help prevent stiffness and discomfort, especially on long-distance flights. While some passengers bring their own neck pillows, others might forget or prioritize other items due to limited luggage space. Offering neck pillows for sale ensures that passengers can easily acquire this comfort item before boarding their flight.
Eye Masks and Earplugs
Eye masks and earplugs are often sought after by travelers seeking a more restful sleep during their journey. Eye masks block out light, enabling passengers to create a darker environment conducive to sleep, especially when trying to adjust to new time zones. Earplugs, on the other hand, help block out ambient noise, such as engine sounds or nearby passengers, making it easier to relax or sleep undisturbed.
Travel-sized Pillows and Cushions
Inflatable or travel-sized pillows and cushions are also popular among travelers. These items can be easily stowed away in carry-on luggage and provide additional support during the flight. They are particularly useful for passengers who want to rest their heads or need extra lumbar support when sitting for extended periods.
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Duty-free
Flight attendants recommend purchasing cosmetics and skin-care products from duty-free shops, especially if you want to try something new. Duty-free shops offer a wider selection of products than what you might typically find at home. For skincare enthusiasts, buying products at an international airport is considered a must.
Snacks are another popular purchase at duty-free shops, offering a good value option for travellers who want to eat something before their flight.
While alcohol is available at duty-free shops, it is generally not recommended as a good purchase. Alcohol can be expensive at airports and can contribute to dehydration during a flight. Travellers are advised to opt for beverages that will keep them hydrated instead.
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Last-minute gifts
Airports are a great place to pick up some last-minute gifts, with a wide range of items available to buy. If you're in a rush, you can't go wrong with snacks and magazines—these are always a safe bet and are some of the most popular items sold at airports. You could opt for some local treats, like the famous Garrett Popcorn from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, or the locally-made Sweet Girl Cookies from Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
For those with a sweet tooth, there's also candy, such as scorpion suckers from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, or Enstrom's almond toffee from Denver International Airport. If you're looking for something more unique, you could try the airport's apiary honey from Chicago's O'Hare Farmers' Market.
If you're after something more substantial, consider comfort items like blankets, neck pillows, and fluffy socks, especially for those long-haul flights. While neck pillows are available at most airports, they can be pricey and may have been exposed to more germs than a pillow you bring from home.
For the music lover, some airports offer an array of music merchandise, like vinyl records and record players. At Newark Liberty International Airport, for example, travelers often snap up vinyl records and record players from the shop at CBGB L.A.B.
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