Hudson Awarded 10-year Contract to Open Five New Retail Stores at Washington Dulles International Airport’s New Concourse E
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Nov. 20, 2025) – Hudson, part of global travel retail and food & beverage player Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL), today announced it won a 10-year contract to open five new retail stores that will grow its footprint at Dulles International Airport (IAD) by more than 7,100 ft2.
Fraport Washington Partnership, which manages concessions for Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), awarded Hudson the contract to shape the retail experience for Dulles International’s new 14-gate Concourse E, which will open in late 2026.
Hudson will debut a lineup of locally inspired stores exclusive to Dulles International, spotlighting numerous local businesses from across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. A hybrid concept will blend travel retail and food & beverage to offer travelers added convenience and a collection of automated retail will provide 24-hour dining options from popular national brands.
“With Concourse E, we have the opportunity to reimagine what the passenger experience at Dulles International can be. We’ve crafted a travel retail program we are proud of — one that puts the traveler at the center by creating a journey that is enjoyable and memorable,” said Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta. “We are pleased to partner with MWAA, Fraport USA, and passionate small business partners to realize this vision.”
With the unveiling of Concourse E, Hudson will introduce:
District & Co. + Starbucks, a hybrid space that will offer travelers 24/7 access to gourmet coffee, baked goods, and pre-packaged sandwiches and salads, alongside a variety of travel necessities, healthy and indulgent snacks, bottled beverages, tech accessories, books and magazines, a curated collection of local items, and more.
Mercantile 1749, inspired by Old Town Alexandria’s charm and timeless appeal. The store will feature beloved shops like Made in ALX and The Old Town Shop as well as the collection of travel essentials for which travelers have come to know and love from Hudson.
Tidal Trading by Hudson, a travel convenience store that reflects one of Washington, D.C.’s most striking and breathtaking sights, the Tidal Basin. The store will blend convenience items with a robust selection of Grab & Go items and gourmet snacks from local brands like Together We Bake and Capital Candy Jar.
Metro Made, a one-stop souvenir shop for travelers to bring home a memento of their journey. The assortment will include mugs, stickers, children’s items, apparel, and local gifts that capture the spirit of the region.
Beltway Bites, a fast, flavorful, and endlessly flexible automated retail space that will offer a variety of ready-to-eat items, both hot and cold, 24 hours a day. Travelers will be able to order food via touchscreen from some of their favorite restaurant brands.
“The new Concourse E will enhance the entire travel experience at Dulles International and is part of the multi-year Dulles Next airport construction program to accommodate future growth. This next-generation concourse represents our commitment to innovation, customer service and showcasing the best of the Washington region,” said Chryssa Westerlund, Airports Authority executive vice president and chief revenue officer. “We welcome the partnership with Avolta and Fraport USA that will bring travelers new travel retail experiences that reflect the spirit of our community.”
Digital engagement will be an essential part of the new shopping experience, with in-store technology such as self-checkout, 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 new locations with three small business partners: Icon Foods, Inc (Tisha Skinner), The Jarvis Company, LLC (Bill Jarvis), and Newburns Management Group (Winston and Wendy Burns).
About Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority operates the U.S. Capital Region’s gateways to the nation and the world, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, the Dulles Airport Access Highway and the Dulles Toll Road. The Authority also managed construction of the Silver Line, a 23-mile extension of the Washington region’s Metrorail public transit system through northern Virginia, which began service to Dulles International in 2022.