The Des Moines International Airport has secured its a retail contract for the new terminal expansion opening in 2027.
Hudson, part of global travel retailer Avolta, announced it received an eight-year contract with the Des Moines International Airport. The new gift shop and convenience store will be called River & Grand by Hudson and will open alongside the Des Moines airport’s terminal expansion in January 2027, according to a news release from the company on Friday, Aug. 7.
“Des Moines International Airport has been a meaningful part of Hudson’s story for more than a decade, and we’re proud to build on that relationship as DSM enters this new phase,” Steve Johnson, president and CEO, North America, Avolta, said in a news release. “We designed River & Grand to enhance the journey through DSM’s new terminal, giving travelers a tangible connection to the region and supporting the makers, brands, and entrepreneurs who define it.”
River & Grand by Hudson is one of the new additions housed in the 360,000-square-foot terminal, which will feature five separate food and beverage options along with the one Hudson retail location, airport officials told the Register on Aug. 5. The new amenities are one component of a $550-million project called Lift DSM that will roughly double the Des Moines airport’s capacity.
Six gates will open in the terminal by mid-January 2027, housing new ticketing and baggage claim areas, with a seventh gate slated to open in late 2027. The project will continue through 2030, constructing another four gates to provide enough capacity to handle the airport’s needs through 2050.
The expansion comes as the airport marks its third consecutive year of record passenger numbers.
“As we build the future of travel at DSM, we’re proud to continue our partnership with Hudson to create a retail experience that’s distinctly Iowa,” said Brian Mulcahy, chief executive officer of the airport authority, in the news release. “When our new terminal opens in January 2027, travelers will discover a marketplace filled with local products, artisan goods, and Iowa-inspired gifts that celebrate our state’s culture while supporting the businesses and communities that rely on DSM every day.”
What will the Des Moines airport’s newest retailer offer at the expanded terminal?
River & Grand by Hudson will have a local focus, selling products from Des Moines and Iowa brands such as BLK & Bold, RAYGUN, Ironwood Candle Co. and Brown Dog Farms.
Notable Iowans and iconic attractions across the Hawkeye State will also have a spot in the new gift shop. Before departing the airport, passengers can pick up clothing celebrating WNBA star Caitlin Clark or merchandise from the Field of Dreams.
Electronic products from Apple, Beats and Sony will also be available for purchase, according to the news release. River & Grand plans to supply fresh food options and “better-for-you snacks,” according to the company’s news release. Passengers will be able to shop through self-checkout to create greater convenience, according to the release.
River & Grand by Hudson will be located in the new terminal in the secure area near the security checkpoint.
Kate Kealey is the growth and development reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What will Des Moines airport’s first retailer sell in new terminal?
Reporting by Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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By Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
