US. Dufry company Hudson has announced that it will open its second US airport Hudson Nonstop concept, using Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, in mid-2021. The location is Chicago Midway International, and follows the inaugural opening at Dallas Love Field earlier this year.
The travel retailer, which operates more than 1,000 stores in airports, commuter hubs, landmarks and tourist destinations across North America, said the new outlet will offer “effortless convenience and unrivalled purchasing speed across all touchpoints of the shopping experience”.
Leveraging Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, Hudson Nonstop at Chicago Midway International will allow travellers to enter the store with their credit card, and select from a range which includes travel essentials, snacks and electronics and wellness items. They can then leave the store, eliminating the need to wait in checkout lines or stopping to pay in-store.
Hudson Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Quinn said: “Hudson Nonstop is really all about the traveller – delivering what they want and how they want it. Our first store is proving that travellers are embracing this innovative new concept, and so we’re thrilled to announce our second location opening in mid-2021.”
He added: “Midway is an ideal location for Hudson Nonstop given Chicago’s fast-paced lifestyle, and we know travellers there will enjoy just how easy it is to ‘grab and go’ in this contactless and checkout-free environment.”
The first-of-its-kind concept for Chicago Midway International has been developed in partnership with the Chicago Department of Aviation and Midway Partnership and is a key element in airport’s concessions redevelopment programme. The programme is designed to enhance the selection of shopping and dining options for travellers across the airport’s two concourses.
Hudson has an extensive retail portfolio of in excess of 20 outlets developed over more than two decades in the Chicago airport, including the FAO Schwarz store.
Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee said: “Offering safe and healthy travel experiences for our passengers is more important than ever, and we are delighted to add to Midway’s convenient, contactless options for shopping and dining with the arrival of Hudson Nonstop, powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.”
Midway Partnership Chief Executive Officer Sammy Patel said: “The elimination of checkout line friction will appeal to all of our passengers, but in particular our time-sensitive travellers, as purchases can be made at the speed and convenience that best fits their schedule.”
He added: “The addition of Hudson Nonstop to our concession lineup allows Midway Partnership to offer the next-generation amenities that exceed passengers’ and airport employees’ expectations and solidifies our focus on enhancing the shopping experience at the airport.”
