HDS Retail showcases brand new design at Toronto-Pearson International

February 1

HDS Retail celebrated the launch of the new Pier F at Toronto-Pearson International Airport on January 30, 2007 by unveiling new, innovative design for its RELAY and VIRGIN brands.

Servicing travelers departing for the United States and travelers on flights departing for overseas are two RELAY News & Gifts stores and two large hybrid stores combining RELAY with VIRGIN Books & Music. A fifth RELAY location, featuring Grab and Go foods and coffee will be added in the Spring of 2007 and will bring the total retail area for HDS Retail in Pier F to 10,500 square feet. This will also bring to 35 the company's total number of stores at Toronto-Pearson.

All new locations in Pier F benefit from brand new design for both RELAY and VIRGIN. The design leverages the best materials and finishes, such as quartz counter tops and quarry tile storefronts, to combine with innovative merchandising techniques that include open-reach beverage coolers integrated in the cash desks. Oversized graphic treatments impress a true sense of place and add a humoristic touch with the inclusion of several fun facts about the city of Toronto and the region.

The stores also benefit from HDS Retail's cutting edge new electronic point of sale system. The new system, crafted to suit the demands of airport retail, was developed in close partnership with Fujitsu and brings industry-leading features such as 3-second credit card payment approvals, 100% scanning accuracy and user-friendly, touch-screen menus. With all these highlights combined, the new RELAY and VIRGIN stores provide Pier F at Toronto-Pearson with a fresh, exciting and efficient shopping experience.

HDS Retail is in the process of implementing the new design for RELAY and VIRGIN in several other locations through store renovations, including JFK International Airport, and new locations such as those in Boston-Logan, Montreal-Trudeau and Vancouver International Airport.