FAO Schwarz Celebrates Grand Opening at Indy Airport

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 22, 2019) – FAO Schwarz celebrated its grand opening at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) today, kicking off the airport’s first wave of new stores as part of its larger Concessions Refresh program, which will deliver scores of new shopping and dining options that include local brands and reflect what it is like to experience Indianapolis.

FAO Schwarz pulled out all the stops for a big-brand celebration, welcoming Hoosier travelers with toy soldier mascots marching around the store, and life-sized games of Uno, Scrabble, chess and Connect Four, all in addition to the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This is just the start,” said IAA Executive Director Mario Rodriguez. “Today we have nine new store concepts open and operating, but there are more than 30 on their way over the next couple of years. When people arrive or take off out of Indianapolis, we want them to feel that ‘wow’ factor when it comes to shopping and dining -- and carry an excellent customer experience with them as they travel.”

The Indianapolis Airport Authority has invested the past three years in preparing to address the pending expiration of 43 retailer, services, and food and beverage contracts. In addition to FAO Schwarz, national brand store concepts such as Tumi, Vineyard Vines and Trip Advisor are now open and operating in the terminal, as well as new store concepts that speak to the flavor and personality of Indianapolis, such as Fountain Square Market and Pitstop by Hudson.

“Hudson is committed to delivering exceptional, one-of-a-kind experiences to our guests here in Indianapolis and throughout North America,” said Mario Scorcia, executive vice president at Hudson. “We thank the IAA management team for their ongoing partnership, and we are honored to be a part of the airport’s concession refresh efforts by bringing national brands and tailored local concepts to the Hoosier state.”

Of the nine new store concepts now open two are located in Civic Plaza and seven stores are located in the concourses.

“This is a three-year phased construction effort that will bring significantly more options to the airport,” said IAA Sr. Director of Commercial Enterprise Marsha Stone. “We recognize the level of shopping, food and beverage and services is highly important to travelers, and they make a difference when those travelers determine which airports are world-class in their book.”

Despite construction, the Indy airport will continue to ensure passengers have options throughout the Concessions Refresh initiative.

“For example, if a coffee shop is closed in Civic Plaza for construction, there will always be another coffee shop available,” said Stone. “We’ll also have numerous temporary pop-up kiosks available ready to provide travelers with appealing options.”

To stay up-to-date on the Concessions Refresh program, click here.