USA. Independent speciality airport, casino and resort retailer Marshall Retail Group (MRG) has opened a second LA Original store at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This follows the opening of a unit last year in Terminal 1 where Southwest Airlines operates.
The LA Original format supports LA’s creative economy and spotlights locally-designed, assembled, or manufactured goods through a line of LA-branded products. The second store in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) is particularly important as it exposes these LA brands to the very broad mix of nationalities using the busy terminal.
Commenting on the opening, MRG Chief Executive Officer Michael C Wilkins said: “We are excited to offer products that are born from the collaborative spirit and creative culture of the City of Angels at LA Original. Through our collaboration and sale of products we are also supporting the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) which is a benefit to that community.”
Proceeds go to MADE by DWC, a social enterprise that provides job training and employment in product and retail environments for women transitioning out of homelessness. DWC’s CEO Lisa Watson said: “Our MADE by DWC job training program offers women the opportunity to regain confidence, exercise their creativity, and gain valuable job skills on their path to personal stability.”
In 2018, according to operator Los Angeles World Airports, TBIT processed 17.8 million passengers (up 9.8%) compared to 9.7 million for T1 (up 1.2%). In total, Los Angeles International handled 87.5 million passengers last year.
The LA Original initiative is supported by the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.
Both airport stores sell accessories, housewares and apparel by LA-based designers and makers. The LA Original Core Collection includes items such as T-shirts, hats, and baby onesies; a market bag by Apolis with artwork by Geoff McFetridge; jewellery designs by Maya Brenner; postcards from Cha Cha Covers; apparel designs produced by Everybody.World; and sauces from Salsaology.
