Prague Airport has launched a new commercial zone at its second terminal, featuring a total of 2,200 square metres. The new area, located right after the security checkpoint, will include six retail units and a self-service restaurant with a seating area which will eventually offer a play area for children.
Terminal 2 departure hall’s non-restricted area—in front of the security checkpoint—will be used for service desks and a waiting area for passengers with disabilities. The new commercial zone project is the airport’s response to a growing number of passengers and represents the biggest expansion of the Terminal 2 retail space since its launch of operations.
Václav Řehoř, chairman of the Prague Airport board of directors, said: “In line with the airport’s long-term strategy, the new Terminal 2 commercial zone will help Prague Airport meet the demand of an ever-growing number of passengers, include a new and interesting range of products on offer, provide passengers with a wider selection and, last but not least, increase their comfort while shopping and dining.”
The commercial zone features three fashion boutiques under the name of The Fashion Place, a Rituals cosmetics shop, a mono-brand shop offering Italian handbags by Coccinelle, and a Hamleys toy shop. The restaurant promoting the market concept is run by the Swiss Marché International chain, which already operates two venues in Terminal 1.
Richard Procházka, chief executive officer for Lagardère Travel Retail Czech Republic, said. “The selection of garments and accessories carried by The Fashion Place shops were tailored to the specific needs of Terminal 2 travellers. Products by Tommy Hilfiger, Boss, Polo Ralph Lauren and Superdry are among the premium brands carried by The Fashion Place shops; many under special deals compared to offers of Prague city-centre shops.”
The number of business units at Prague Airport has risen to 114 with the new shops and restaurant. The quality and range of services and products, the shop design, the applicant’s experience and references were the main criteria for selecting the new leaseholders. The rent offered only constituted 1/3 of the decision-making formula.
Mr Řehoř said: “It will continue to remain our strategy within the non-aviation business segment to provide the broadest and the most appealing offer of services and goods, while maintaining passenger comfort at a high level. This will, however, involve both construction and technological advancements at the airport. That is one of the reasons we have been implementing the airport’s long-term development plan.”
The commercial zone is a result of the reconstruction and expansion of the central transit corridor with the original Terminal 2 security checkpoint. The construction commenced in July 2018 and did not restrict terminal operations. The final inspection of the new commercial zone main area was performed in December 2018 and the investment costs covering the construction and the space expansion are around CZK 65 million.
