San Francisco Bay Oakland Airport Begins Construction On 16 New Retail Stores Showcasing Local Talent

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San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) launches a retail program featuring local designs, merchandise, and art, enhancing the East Bay experience for travelers.

In July, San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) began construction on the first of 16 new retail storefronts set to open at the airport. These additions are part of the airport’s new retail program, approved by the Oakland Board of Port Commissioners in January 2024, which will introduce news and convenience stores, specialty retail, duty-free, and automated vending concessions. The first unit under construction, East Bay Trails, is operated by Paradies Lagardere @ OAK, LLC, and is located across from Gate 29 in Terminal 2.

“We are very excited to be kicking off construction for OAK’s new retail program,” says Craig Simon, Director of Aviation at the Port of Oakland. “The new storefronts will celebrate Oakland culture and pride and East Bay businesses while providing convenient options for travelers looking to shop at OAK.”

The retail program will emphasize designs, concepts, and locally curated merchandise to bring the essence of Oakland and the East Bay into the airport. Key retail concessionaires, including HG OAK Retail Concessionaires JV, Paradies Lagardere @ OAK, LLC, and MRG Oakland, LLC, are all dedicated to showcasing local merchandise in a portion of their news and convenience units, as well as in the two largest anchor locations. These retailers have also partnered with designated Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) organizations, such as Oaklandish, Silver Dragon Café, JR Lester & Associates, Maj Collection, and Arandia Designs.

In addition, the new storefronts will feature work from local artists, highlighting the cultural diversity and charm of Oakland and the East Bay. Passengers can look forward to more large-scale murals from local artists in the retail spaces, similar to the ones installed at the airport’s 12 new restaurants and bars as part of its new Food & Beverage Program.