Hudson Group Retail, LLC (Avolta) has been named the duty-free partner for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Under the 20-year contract, Hudson will develop stores in three concourses at the airport scheduled to open in late 2027 and beyond. Concepts coming to Concourse A will include The Beauty Trail, a walk-through store offering cosmetics and fragrances inspired by Seattle’s famous Chihuly Garden and Glass; Rainier’s Market, featuring locally sourced gifts and foods plus a performance space for Seattle-based artists to perform; and The Distillery Trail, offering liquor and tobacco products and a tasting bar inspired by the area’s Capitol Hill speakeasies. Concepts due to arrive at S Concourse include additional locations of The Beauty Trail and of The Distillery Trail, featuring an in-store speakeasy; Bellevue Urban Luxury, a high-end jewelry, watch and accessories boutique; Rainier’s Gourmet Market, an artisan store offering fare from SEA’s private label Exploring Seattle; and Urban Armour, a fashion boutique featuring products from B Corp-certified and sustainable brands. And the N Concourse will feature a duty-free shop offering a curated selection of luxury products including fragrance, liquor and tobacco items.
Hudson will operate the new duty-free stores as a joint venture with four small business partners: MCSB, Inc. (Randi Maya Sibonga), Bambuza (Katherine Lam), Moovn Technologies, LLC (Godwin Gabriel), and Warren’s News & Gift, Inc. (Marques Warren).
“This new duty-free offer, coupled with Hudson’s emphasis on immersive experiences and digital engagement, will transform the travel experience at SEA,” said Steve Johnson, Avolta’s North American president and CEO. “We are proud and excited to grow our long-time partnership with the Port of Seattle to help usher in the next phase of SEA’s evolution and make the journey as exciting as the destination for the millions of travelers from around the world who visit the airport every year.”
“Duty-free shops are a hallmark of major international airports, and this expansion enables SEA to meet growing demand through innovative use of space and technology that elevates the overall traveler experience,” added Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho. “This contract also builds in meaningful opportunities for women, minority, and small-owned businesses to continue thriving at SEA, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to supporting and uplifting local entrepreneurs.”
