Leeds Bradford opens store for sports fans

A​ first floor unit ​was built in the airport’s departure lounge​ ​over the winter​. Th​e​ 350 sq​ ​ft space​, which will create five new jobs,​ will open on May 25 and​ will be the first retail unit that passengers see once​ ​they pass ​through security.

Richard Aldridge, ​h​ead of ​c​ommercial at Leeds Bradford Airport, said:​ ​“We are really pleased to announce the addition of these four new brands here at LBA. As​ ​we continue to develop, it is crucial to offer a further varied mix of shops for passengers to​ ​enjoy browsing before departing Leeds Bradford Airport and I am pleased we are once again

extending our retail offer.

“We have contacted a number of sporting teams across the region in order to ensure we​ ​have a variety of teams represented at LBA. We are proud to be working with them all in​ ​order for passengers to buy any last minute supporter merchandise to wear once on their​ ​travels. It’s fantastic to once again introduce another popular national brand alongside some​ ​of our regional sports teams – a perfect fit.”

The new retail unit ​will ​open ahead of the summer 2017 season at ​the airport​.

​Other developments​ that ​have taken place over the winter season ​include new bag drop facilities, an extra security​ ​lane and more space and light between check-in halls.

​The airport plans to ​​open a new seating area for​ ​passengers in the departure lounge.

LBA has more than 75 direct destinations and hundreds​ ​of worldwide connections via three hub airports.

Rob Oates, Leeds Rhinos​'​ ​c​ommercial ​d​irector, said:​ ​"The opportunity for Leeds Rhinos to team up with Leeds Bradford Airport in the new retail​ ​outlet within the airport is one that we see as a perfect synergy. Leeds is lucky to have such​ ​a bustling airport on the doorstep​.

​"W​e believe it is a great chance for travellers to represent the Rhinos at their destination – just​ ​a little something extra to add to their suitcase just before they board the flight​."​

Mike Pebbles, ​h​ead of ​r​etail, ​l​icensing and ​m​erchandise at Leeds United FC, said:​ ​“The massive investment being made at LBA to enhance the shopping experience is​ ​something we are proud to be part of. After a very successful 12 months having​ ​merchandise on sale elsewhere in the airport, Leeds United FC are pleased to continue the

partnership with LBA.”

Andy Dawson, ​c​ommercial ​d​irector at Yorkshire County Cricket Club, said:​ ​“The Club is excited to extend its retail offering to Leeds Bradford Airport. The Yorkshire​ ​County Cricket Club is a brand that is known worldwide and we believe that this is a great​ ​way to give visitors to Leeds and the wider Yorkshire area an opportunity to show their

support for the ​c​lub.”

Kirsten Pottinger, ​h​ead of ​p​artners and ​c​ustomer ​s​ervice at Fat Face, said:​ ​“We are pleased to announce that Fat Face will be at Leeds Bradford Airport in time for the​ ​summer, further adding to the retail choices available to passengers once they are in the​ ​departure lounge. The airport is investing hugely in the terminal and it’s great to be part of​ ​the changes that are taking shape at LBA.”