Status: Design
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is expanding duty-free shopping and bringing exciting, new duty-free retail opportunities to the airport.
Project Overview
SEA is the most space-constrained major airport in the country with demand for square footage and services continuing to rise along with the traveler numbers. Passenger volumes hit 52.7 million in 2025, beating out previous 2019 record of 51.8 million and more on the horizon. SEA Airport’s capital improvements program is taking on meeting passenger demands while elevating the customer experience by renovating and updating almost all areas of the airport, and that includes new duty-free shopping on the A and S concourses.
Duty-free shops are a staple in major airports, they offer international travelers the option to shop tax-free, primarily on liquor and tobacco. The word “duty” refers to taxes and fees – local, sales, import, or value-added (VAT) – that you pay for bringing goods across international borders. So, “duty-free” means that you may not have to pay taxes in the country where you make the purchase, however, the shops will be open to all and any traveler can enjoy what’s available at these stores!
Creating this immersive, walk-through retail experience directly supports the Port’s dedication to financial sustainability and advances the airport as a leading tourism destination in the global marketplace. To effectively meet the airport’s current and future demands within the existing terminal footprint, the designs for adding duty-free space thoughtfully take advantage of every inch.
This project will be delivered under a Tenant Reimbursable Agreement (TRA) for duty-free at the A, S, and N concourses. The A Concourse construction will begin in late 2026, S Concourse construction kicks off in conjunction with the S Concourse Evolution project in 2027, and the N Concourse is yet to be determined. The RFP for this project was released in 2023 and awarded in 2024 to ‘SEA TAC Duty Free JV’ which is a joint venture between Hudson Group Retail, LLC. and four small business partners: Equity partner Randi Maya Sibonga of MCSB Inc., and ACDBE-Certified partners Katherine Lam of Bambuza, Godwin Gabriel of MOOVN Technologies, LLC., and Marques Warren of Warren’s News & Gift Inc.
This project aligns with the Port of Seattle’s Century Agenda goals and aims to strengthen SEA’s competitiveness in both regional and global markets. It is also anticipated to create over 150 jobs in design, construction, and operations. Additionally, the contract will include specific square footage dedicated to Women/Minority owned Business Enterprises (WMBE)/Small Business opportunities within the Duty-free footprint.
A Concourse Duty-free
The A Concourse will get upgraded by adding approximately 12,000 square feet of new leasable space for retail and duty-free operations. The main project area is adjacent to the exit from the International Arrivals Facility (IAF) and Gina Marie Lindsey (GML) Hall. With the addition of the IAF, gates on the A Concourse are now internationally capable, making it an ideal location to provide expanded duty-free services. The primary duty-free area will sit in the center of the concourse between Gates A1-A6 and includes Airport Dining and Retail (ADR) space, a customer information hub, a music stage, and Flight Information Displays throughout.
The design for the A Concourse will incorporate four unique experiences with a blend of top-tier duty-free products with local authenticity. The joint venture crafted a strategic category layout to help guide passengers through an interconnected tapestry of experiences that encapsulates both exceptional product offerings and the distinctive spirit of Seattle. New technology with digital and interactive screens, social media-worth backdrops, and bespoke audio will be incorporated throughout. A performance area is also set to welcome passengers into the space with the opportunity for live music, celebrating Seattle’s rich music history.
To gain the additional space for the duty-free area, the project will tap into spaces on the concourse and mezzanine levels above GML Hall and in the airport’s conference area. In doing so, it will create a new expanded and fully renovated space for the SEA Conference Center which will also help generate additional non-aeronautical revenue for the Port.
S Concourse Duty-free
There will be more information coming soon on the S Concourse duty-free expansion in coordination with the S Concourse Evolution (SCE) project.
Timeline
A Concourse Duty-free
| Major construction begins | Q1 2026 |
| In-use date | Q2 2027 |
S Concourse Duty-free
Major construction to begin in 2027 as part of the S Concourse Evolution project
Estimated Project Costs
The total estimated project cost for the A Concourse Duty-free project is currently between approximately $46-60 million. Costs for the other concourse duty-free projects will be updated as design plans progress.
Funding for the project will come from a combination of Airport Development Fund and future revenue bonds. As with virtually all airport projects, no tax-payer dollars will be used to fund the project.
