Avolta secures 12-year retail contract at San José International Airport

Avolta, leading global travel retail and F&B player, has secured a 12-year contract at San José International Airport (SJC) through its Hudson brand in USA.

This will open six retail and travel convenience shops, including three hybrid concepts, across more than 620 square meters of concessions space.

The new 12-year contract is a significant win given the scale and pace of passenger traffic at San José International Airport. The airport welcomed nearly 12 million travelers in 2024 and is expected to see continued growth in 2026. The new retail and hybrid concepts are designed to meet the evolving needs of a high-volume travel hub and enhance the overall passenger experience.

Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta, said, “SJC sought a retail offering that would appeal to its changing passenger demographic, and we have delivered what we know the airport’s growing number of leisure travelers will love. By spotlighting local businesses, offering unique products and experiences, and integrating engaging technology and fast speed of service, we will make travelers happier along their journey through SJC.

“We appreciate that the City of San José chose Avolta’s Hudson to be a part of this exciting transformation of SJC.”

Mookie Patel, SJC Director of Aviation, commented, “Partnering with Hudson to launch SJC’s next-generation retail program is one of the Airport’s highlights of the year. Beyond enhancing revenues that are critical to support airport infrastructure and operations, this new retail program will bring some of the best of San José and our region into our terminals, just in time for travelers arriving for the major Bay Area sporting events taking place in 2026.”

Seamless digital experience will be an essential part of each store, a core pillar of Avolta’s Destination 2027 strategy. The stores will be equipped with in-store technology to engage travelers along their journey, such as digital screens and self-checkout for greater convenience and speed. Travelers will also be able to enjoy all the benefits of the Club Avolta loyalty program, gaining access to exclusive offers, rewards, and cross-promotions.

Elevating the retail concessions program

Under the 12-year contract awarded at San José Mineta International Airport, Hudson will open six specialty retail and travel convenience shops, including three hybrid concepts.

The partnership is expected to elevate the retail concessions program through a diverse mix of travel essentials, specialty retail, and hybrid concepts that collectively create a distinct sense of place.

The shops are part of SJC’s US$16.9-million retail transformation featuring fresh looks and new technology that will enhance the travel experience.

Hudson’s thoughtfully crafted retail offering will celebrate the rich heritage and uniqueness of Santa Clara County and Northern California by prominently featuring local makers and partners in beautifully designed spaces meant to transport travelers to the iconic neighborhoods and region surrounding SJC. Seamless, technology-driven solutions will be an essential part of each store, a core pillar of Hudson’s retail experience and a nod to San José’s position in Silicon Valley.

Beginning in early 2026, Hudson will open the six locations in Terminal A and Terminal B at SJC which will see an influx of travelers in 2026 when the region hosts Super Bowl LX, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, and FIFA World Cup.

In Terminal A, Hudson will unveil:

• Sonoma Life, an immersive specialty retail experience that will transport travelers into the picturesque vineyards and wine cellars of Northern California. This concept will transcend airport shopping experiences into a curated outpost of wine country featuring wineries from Sonoma County, Santa Cruz, and Morgan Hill. Travelers will be able to treat themselves to a bottle of wine or customize a gift basket and ship it to the destination of their choice, choosing from a diverse range of home and artisanal gifts from Alice Frost Designs and Lola x Kenneth Collaboration, and culinary delights from Mike & Niki’s Honey Company, Hella Hot Hot Sauce, Sweetdragon Baking Company, Garlic World, and Lala’s Jam Bar.
• Willow Glen Market, visually inspired by Willow Glen’s colorful storefronts and iconic signs. This hybrid travel essentials store will feature a curated selection of local products, including Terra & Self, Gooseberry Designs, Ashy Aromas, All the Way Handmade, and Tiny B Chocolates. Tech aficionados will love browsing the most sought-after electronics from brands like Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Google.
• SoFA Provisions, located pre-security, a hybrid concept featuring San José’s coolest coffee shop, Nirvana Soul Coffee, made from sustainably grown, ethically sourced, and locally roasted beans. Travelers will also have the opportunity to browse delectable treats, pre-packaged bites, and last-minute, must-have travel essentials.
• Hudson, North America’s largest travel essentials and convenience brand designed with a seamless customer experience at its core. The store will offer snacks and beverages, travel and convenience necessities, local souvenirs, electronics, books, magazines, and more.

In Terminal B, Hudson will debut:

• Santana & Olsen, a hybrid convenience and specialty concept inspired from a day spent exploring Santana Row. Designed to encourage exploration, the store will feature local and specialty brand shops, including Oaklandish, Dear Handmade Life, LEGO, Google, and Clean Beauty.
• One San José, which will bring the energy and imagery of San José’s cultural hotspots together in a travel essentials store packed with local products and flavor, including Mike & Niki’s Honey Company and Nokki Farm. This store will also feature offerings from New Hope Girls, a non-profit in the Dominican Republic committed to rescuing, restoring, and empowering girls who have survived trafficking, abuse, and extreme vulnerability.

Hudson will operate the six new stores with two California-based entrepreneurs and certified Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partners: Angela Tsay (Oaklandish, LLC) and Michael E. Washington (Cato Hospitality Group, LLC).

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