Evolve by Hudson is the largest concept nationwide, and a cornerstone of Midway Partnership’s US$75 million transformation of the airport’s eating and shopping experience
Hudson, a key player in travel retail under the Avolta AG umbrella, has unveiled six innovative retail stores at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). This launch is a significant stride in Hudson's mission to redefine the shopping experience for travelers. The highlight of this expansion is the largest Evolve by Hudson store in North America, boasting over 409 square meters of retail space. This store exemplifies Hudson's dedication to enhancing brand partnerships and offering an extensive array of products that travelers adore.
These newly opened shops at MDW present an eclectic mix of renowned specialty retail brands, cherished proprietary concepts and local favorites. Featuring a rich sports selection for Chicago fans, merchandise from local vendors and entrepreneurs and much more, they cater to diverse tastes among travelers.
This development aligns with Avolta’s Destination 2027 strategy, aimed at making travel journeys as exciting as the destinations themselves. This is achieved by integrating leading brands, digital technology, and unique in-store experiences.
Brian Quinn, Avolta’s North America Head of Retail Operations, expressed enthusiasm about showcasing their global brand portfolio through these stores, emphasizing their commitment to offering unparalleled shopping experiences. “We are excited to celebrate our new openings at Chicago Midway International Airport, including our largest Evolve by Hudson store yet,” said Brian Quinn, Avolta’s North America Head of Retail Operations. “Our new stores present a tremendous opportunity for us to showcase the power of our global brand portfolio and how we’re committed to continuously providing the best shopping experiences for our travelers and partners.”
Sammy Patel, CEO of Midway Partnership, praised Hudson and its local minority partners for their role in transforming the airport's traveler experience. “The several new retail offerings by Hudson are part of our restless efforts to maximize local minority-owned businesses, and we are doing just that with one of the highest participation levels of minority businesses in the United States.” The new stores are operated in partnership with four Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partners: Airport Retail Group, LLC; BT II, Inc; Flying Concessions, LLC; and North American Concessions Inc.
Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee of the Chicago Department of Aviation, which owns and operates both O'Hare and Midway International Airports, noted that this development underscores Mayor Brandon Johnson’s commitment to diverse local businesses and represents a significant part of Chicago’s economy. “I am proud of Midway’s long track record of investing in diverse local businesses, with one of the highest reported Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) participation rates in the nation.”
Hudson's expansion at MDW includes a variety of stores, offering everything from travel essentials to luxury goods. The assortment includes travel convenience stores like Southside News, specialty retail experiences such as Jo Malone and M∙A∙C Cosmetics, and high-end offerings from TUMI. These stores not only enhance the shopping experience but also significantly contribute to the local economy.
This move by Hudson and the Midway Partnership is a significant investment in the future of Chicago Midway International Airport, aiming to elevate it as a leading international airport. The initiative promises to create new job opportunities and enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers annually.
