Thursday, February 07, 2013

WH Smith launches children's stores


WHSmith opens its first UK Zoodle stores for kids at Manchester Airport

Airport World -  by  Steven Thompson

WHSmith has opened its first Zoodle stores – book shops dedicated to youngsters – in the UK at Manchester Airport.

The new stores, one which opened on Sunday and the second opening this week, have been created with the young traveller in mind, with a bright store environment, making it fun and inviting for all children, and the perfect one-stop-shop for family searching for a great gift for their youngster.

WHSmith Travel COO, Simon Smith, said: “We are delighted to be opening our first Zoodle by WHSmith stores in the UK at Manchester Airport, just before half term and well ahead of the Summer peak.

“We are very much looking forward to providing children and their families with everything they need before they fly.”

Manchester Airport became the third largest airport in the UK behind Heathrow and Gatwick during 2012 and passenger numbers have been on the rise over the last year.

2013 is expected to see Manchester break the 20 million passenger mark again, so with Zoodle being based in the airport’s busiest terminals – 1 and 2 – passengers will get to experience the new stores this summer.

Beth Brewster, retail director for MAG, owners of Manchester Airport, said: “This is the type of innovative approach we take to retail at our airports and when WHSmith suggested launching this brand in our airports, we were naturally keen to pursue it further.

“I know our younger customers are going to really enjoy it and from the feedback we receive we know that passengers want to have more child-friendly
products while they’re waiting for their flights, so Zoodle certainly fits into that category.”

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