Malls have left their heyday behind, but it’s looking like the new weekend hangout for shopping and dining may just be the airport.
In 2013, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) embarked on a nearly 36-month-long process to redevelop 90 percent of the dining and retail offerings at Reagan National and Dulles International airports. MarketPlace Development was hired to take on the task, and on August 19, they celebrated the launch of the new luxury shopping wing in Concourses A and B at Dulles.
While Reagan may have landed a Ben’s Chili Bowl in the revamp, Dulles has gained a slew of high-end stores including designer brands Burberry, Coach, and Michael Kors, along with Vineyard Vines, Vera Bradley, Thomas Pink, Tumi, Swarovski, Montblanc and beauty brands L’Occitane, Kiehls, and Estee Lauder/M.A.C.
“The new shops and restaurants will bring more world-class offerings to a world-class airport,” said Chris Browne, vice president and airport manager at Washington Dulles International Airport in a press release. “The improvement to the food and retail offerings at Dulles will fit nicely with the significant facility expansions we have completed in recent years.”
The redevelopment was in part motivated by a desire to cater to Dulles’ increasing number of international travelers that are finding luxury retail experiences at other major international airports, such as Heathrow in London, where passengers can shop labels including Alexander McQueen, Hugo Boss, Chanel, and Cartier.
“We’re thrilled to bring some of the world’s most recognizable and well-respected luxury brands to Dulles International Airport,” says Paul McGinn, president of MarketPlace Development. “With the help of our concessions partners, we look forward to delivering an exceptional retail experience to the growing international market at Dulles.”
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
