First stage of £21m Gatwick Airport revamp open to public
The first stage of a £21 million revamp of Gatwick airport's South Terminal shopping area has opened to customers.
Ten new or updated stores open today with 12 to follow later this year, including Aspinal of London and Ernest Jones for the first time at a UK airport.
Harrods is also set to open a new 6,500 square foot department store focusing on fashion and accessories on August 1.
Gatwick said it expanded the area in response to customer feedback, citing a YouGov survey of 2,060 passengers that found 56 per cent wanted more high street and international brands, 38 per cent wanted a premium department store and 22 per cent wanted more designer brands.
The airport's head of retail, Spencer Sheen, said: "This is a huge step forward in improving the experience for our passengers and transforming Gatwick into London's airport of choice, as well as setting the benchmark for airport retail in the UK.
"Around 93 per cent of our passengers visit a retail outlet before boarding and 86 per cent will make a purchase so we need to offer them the right mix of services and products, whether it's a luxury department store, family restaurant or high street favourite."
Evening Standard
