Sea-Tac Airport Businesses Win National Recognition

Shops and restaurants report record sales in 2006

Four businesses at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport recently received top honors in the 2007 Best Concessions Poll at the Airport Revenue News Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Fireworks was named Best New Specialty Retail Concept and Best Airport Retail Store Design (small concessionaire); Made in Washington received Best Airport Retail Store Design (large concessionaire); and Anthony's was chosen Best Airport Restaurant Design (small concessionaire). In addition, Vino Volo, a fine wine shop that opened last October, won the Small Retailer with Highest Regard for Customer Service award. All the award winners are located beyond the security check points in the airport's new central terminal.

"We're very proud of the work we and our concessionaires have done during the past few years to improve our facility," said Port of Seattle Commission President John Creighton. "If you've been to the airport recently, you know that these businesses are part of a great new shopping and dining experience at Sea-Tac."

The Port added 10 new concessions to the airport when Concourse A opened in 2004. When the central terminal opened in 2005, another 20 concessions opened. In addition, the airport adopted a policy of "street pricing," which means airport concessions cannot charge prices higher than those found at comparable stores and restaurants.

In 2006, sales for all of Sea-Tac's concessions reached record sales of $134.9 million, a $21 million increase over sales in 2005. On average, each traveler spends $9 on food or shopping during a visit to the airport. The airport is self-funded and does not receive Port of Seattle property tax money - money spent at the airport for food/beverages, shopping, parking, car rentals, etc. is used to operate the facility.

"Travelers tell us they like what we offer," said Commissioner Creighton, "And, we congratulate our concessionaires for being recognized nationally for their good work."