USA. Fraport Maryland’s initiative to showcase small retail businesses at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport has introduced two new partners.
Stupid Delicious! and Finesse Lyfestyle are the latest enterprises to enter the airport as part of the LaunchPad programme, which Fraport Maryland said is “an exciting way” for travellers to support small businesses and experience the best of Baltimore and Washington at the airport.
LaunchPad, which is in its second year, gives pop-up operators a 12-month lease as well as training, sales and marketing support.
The first new retailer, Stupid Delicious!, is run by Tanya Davis. She owns a store on Harford Road in Baltimore. The third generation baker is selling her original recipe cookies from her airport pop-up, along with cupcakes, pies and homemade ice cream.
The second enterprise – Finesse Lyfestyle – is operated by Aqueelah and Artiium Arbyummi of Waldorf, Maryland. They are using their retail space to sell their certified organic beauty and wellness products.
The two new retailers join two existing LaunchPad operators that have recently extended their leases at the airport – New Secrets Tea and Fashion Spa House.
Fraport Maryland manages the retail programme at Baltimore/Washington International. Vice President Brett Kelly said: “The LaunchPad programme was intended to create opportunities for small and start-up retail businesses. Our first year was a great success, and we couldn’t be happier to bring more operators to this programme.”
Baltimore/Washington International Executive Director Ricky Smith said it was inspiring to see small businesses take off at the airport, and added: “The LaunchPad programme gives startups and small business owners an opportunity to not only share their products and services, but also their unique stories with a wider audience of airport travellers.
“We’re excited to continue this programme and bring more retail options to BWI Marshall passengers.”
