Hudson Secures New Duty-free Contract at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Oct. 6, 2026) – Hudson, part of global travel retail and food & beverage player Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL), today announced it has been named the duty-free partner at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) under a new contract awarded to Hudson Group (HG) Retail, LLC and its four small business partners by the Port of Seattle. Under the 20-year contract, Hudson will develop multiple duty-free stores, including a hybrid location featuring a speakeasy, across three concourses as the airport undergoes a multi-billion-dollar modernization.

Hudson’s new stores covering more than 30,700 square feet will offer international and domestic passengers world-class duty-free shopping emphasizing products and spaces that are a strong reflection of the uniqueness and beauty of the Pacific Northwest, alongside renowned, luxury brands. The three new stores — including two expansive, multi-concept walk-through spaces — will open in A Concourse in late 2027, with S Concourse and N Concourse to follow.

“This new duty-free offer, coupled with Hudson’s emphasis on immersive experiences and digital engagement, will transform the travel experience at SEA,” said Steve Johnson, President & CEO, North America, Avolta. “We are proud and excited to grow our long-time partnership with the Port of Seattle to help usher in the next phase of SEA’s evolution and make the journey as exciting as the destination for the millions of travelers from around the world who visit the airport every year.”

“Duty-free shops are a hallmark of major international airports, and this expansion enables SEA to meet growing demand through innovative use of space and technology that elevates the overall traveler experience,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho. “This contract also builds in meaningful opportunities for women, minority, and small-owned businesses to continue thriving at SEA, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to supporting and uplifting local entrepreneurs.”

A Concourse

Hudson will develop an expansive walk-through store featuring top-tier duty free exclusivity and local authenticity to offer travelers a unique shopping experience with the distinctive spirit of the Pacific Northwest. 

• The Beauty Trail – Travelers will discover perfumes, cosmetics, and wellness products in a serene, glass-encased garden setting — inspired by Seattle’s famous Chihuly Garden and Glass — that will elevate the beauty shopping experience.
• Rainier’s Market – An homage to the beauty of Mount Rainier National Park, Rainier’s Market will be a place where travelers can relish in the quintessence of the region with locally sourced foods, artisanal gifts, and souvenirs that put the spotlight on the best of local craftmanship, as well as a dedicated space to enjoy live music by emerging and iconic Seattle artists.
• The Distillery Trail – Influenced by the timeless allure of Seattle’s legendary Capitol Hill speakeasies, The Distillery Trail will offer both globally acclaimed liquor and tobacco brands alongside a curated selection of Washington state’s own spirits. To enrich the experience, The Distillery Trail will have a tasting bar to provide travelers with abundant opportunities to sample and learn about spirits. 

S Concourse

Hudson will develop a second walk-through store in SEA’s S Concourse to provide even more passengers the opportunity to shop high-end, duty-free elegance alongside the authentic flavor of regional culture.

• The Distillery Trail, featuring The Vaults – Tucked inside the S Concourse’s Distillery Trail store will lie an exclusive speakeasy-inspired enclave that will invite travelers to immerse themselves in a delightful array of premium spirits, from beloved local gems to international favorites, as well as a well-stocked humidor.
• Bellevue Urban Luxury – A tribute to Bellevue, Washington’s Bravern shops, Bellevue Urban Luxury will be a destination for travelers to peruse a refined collection of sunglasses, jewelry, watches, accessories, and high-fashion boutiques. 
• Rainier’s Gourmet Market – Here, travelers will discover “Exploring Seattle,” a private label exclusive to SEA’s duty-free shops, along with an assortment of ethically sourced global and local products that cater to a range of diverse tastes and dietary needs.
• Urban Armour – Experience Seattle’s fashion scene featuring an authentic collection of the city’s outdoor fashion brands. Urban Armour will proudly feature B Corp-certified and sustainable brands. 

The S Concourse also will be home to an additional location The Beauty Trail.

N Concourse

In the N Concourse, Hudson will open a duty-free shop featuring a carefully crafted selection of products in top-selling duty-free categories, including fragrance, liquor, and tobacco.

Digital engagement will be an essential part of the new stores, with in-store technology allowing for greater convenience and speed. Travelers will also be able to enjoy all the benefits of the Club Avolta loyalty program, gaining access to exclusive offers, rewards, and cross-promotions.

Hudson will operate the stores as a joint venture between Hudson Group (HG) Retail, LLC and four small business partners: MCSB, Inc. (Randi Maya Sibonga), Bambuza (Katherine Lam), Moovn Technologies, LLC (Godwin Gabriel), and Warren’s News & Gift, Inc. (Marques Warren).

About Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Operated by the Port of Seattle, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) serves the people of the Pacific Northwest with essential services, access to hundreds of domestic and global destinations, and economic activity that supports tens of thousands of jobs and produces $33 billion in economic activity. SEA set a record with over 52.7 million passengers in 2025. Thirty-seven airlines serve 96 nonstop domestic and 36 international destinations including Canada, Mexico, and seasonal operations. SEA earned the travel industry's prestigious 4-Star Skytrax Rating and designation as Best Airport in North America three years in a row (2022-24), focused on customer-centered travel with better services, facilities, and amenities.

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