USA. Dufry company Hudson has expanded its partnership with Sunglass Hut with an agreement to open more standalone travel retail stores in the US and Canada markets.
Currently, Hudson operates six out of 32 standalone Sunglass Hut travel retail locations in North America, and more than 50 Sunglass Hut on-the-go corners.
The new stores under the updated agreement will include a selection of styles and designs to allow travellers to explore new brands and find leading names including Oakley and Ray-Ban.
Mobile Point of Sale (POS) and other checkout capabilities will also be available, making it faster and more convenient for travellers, said the retailer.
Hudson Executive Vice President and Deputy CEO Brian Quinn said: “We are excited to expand our partnership with Sunglass Hut to offer greater accessibility to this iconic brand in more locations.
“Becoming the exclusive third-party licensee for Sunglass Hut travel retail stores reaffirms our commitment to delivering the products and concepts travellers have come to expect and continues to make Hudson’s stores some of the most sought-after shopping destinations in the industry.”
Hudson and Sunglass Hut partnered in 2020 to create branded on-the-go corners in Hudson’s travel convenience stores.
Sunglass Hut Senior Vice President and General Manager North America Giorgio Pradi said: “As a global brand with millions of loyal customers, Sunglass Hut aims to have touchpoints in prime retail locations that feel authentic.
“Consumers know when they’re away from home and see that familiar Sunglass Hut moniker, they will find beautiful, branded sunglasses and unparalleled service.
“Particularly in North America, where the brand got its start, our strategy is to be wherever our consumers want to find us and to deliver the same luxury experience they have come to love.”
Sunglass Hut operates 184 travel retail locations around the world, including standalone outlets, within Hudson stores as Sunglass Hut branded corners, and kiosks worldwide, with more plans to expand.
Airport locations with Sunglass Hut stores include Rome, Barcelona, Hong Kong and Istanbul.
Hudson continues to grow its portfolio of retail formats including: Automated Specialty Retail, the Brookstone travel retail experience, Evolve by Hudson, Hudson Nonstop stores powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, and Ink by Hudson bookstores.
