LOS ANGELES – On the heels of the grand opening of Terminal 2 at Los Angeles International Airport, Westfield announced today the completion of the first phase of redevelopment in Terminal 1, which introduces Southwest Airlines customers to a new retail and dining collection and an improved experience.
As part of a $508 million overhaul spearheaded by Southwest and Los Angeles World Airports, Westfield is curating a dining and retail collection that will feature 24 world-class destinations and a reimagined experience with a hip, modern California feel.
The first of three phases features the opening of six exciting brands, including Rock & Brews – from KISS front men Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley – Be Relax, Brookstone, I Love L.A., Sol Surf and Treat Me Sweet.
In addition, Southwest is upgrading the customer gate areas, giving the terminal a fresh new look, while providing a more efficient customer experience.
“Together with Southwest Airlines and LAWA, we’re creating a new energy and vibe and a more holistic customer experience,” said Keith Kaplan, Westfield’s Vice President at LAX. “We’re bringing the terminal to life by activating gate areas and engaging customers with a unique design, inviting sightlines and integrated dining and retail.”
“The revitalization of Terminal 1 at LAX comes at a very exciting time for Southwest,” said John Zuzu, Senior Director of Corporate Facilities at Southwest Airlines. “As we continue to offer our great low fares to even more destinations for our LA-based customers, we’re proud to showcase our unrivaled hospitality through this beautiful new facility.”
The Terminal 1 overhaul was announced in September 2014 and is slated for completion in 2018. When finished, the Terminal 1 retail and dining collection will span 25,242 feet – nearly double that of the old terminal.
“Rock & Brews brings an electrifying new attitude and vibe to customers from the minute they clear the security checkpoint,” said Nick Buford, COO and Managing Partner of L.A.-based Crews, which operates Rock & Brews. “It’s amazing to watch the Terminal 1 transformation take shape. We’re proud to continue innovating the travelers experience with an exciting concept like this, and partners like Southwest, LAWA and Westfield.”
The vibrant, new design of the terminal is expressed through simple but sculptural forms curated with artisanal, creative and fun products and finishes. It offers an immersive retail experience featuring unified retail storefronts.
Here’s a closer look at the six new concepts that opened in the first phase of the redevelopment:
Rock & Brews: Sample world-class craft beers and quality American comfort food in a vibrant environment, a partnership with KISS front men Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley;
Be Relax: Get pampered with on-demand massage, nail and facial services at this LAX first;
Sol Surf: Shop quality surf wear and lifestyle items from the Southern California brand, an airport first anywhere;
Treat Me Sweet: Indulge in confections and candies, an airport first anywhere; I Love L.A.: Pick up must-have travel essentials, souvenirs and news & gift items;
Brookstone: Discover unique gifts for men, women and children.
“Customers are already enjoying the enhancements at the terminal, and we can see that just by looking at their faces as they explore and engage the new space,” said Debbie Seanez, Vice President of Soto & Sanchez, which operates I Love L.A., Sol Surf and Treat Me Sweet – all of which are L.A. brands. “We’re excited to be part of the ongoing transformation at LAX as a local L.A. retail business.”
In partnership with the city of Los Angeles and LAWA, Westfield is transforming the passenger experience at LAX terminals 1, 2, 3, 6 and Tom Bradley International Terminal. To improve satisfaction and drive sales, Westfield is crafting a unique design at each terminal tailored to meet customer needs. Westfield is investing more than $184 million at the airport to transform the customer experience.
As part of its global portfolio, Westfield designs, develops, owns, manages and leases award-winning shopping venues in landmark cities around the world. Among the company’s iconic retail destinations are Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City in the U.K., Westfield San Francisco Centre, and Westfield Century City. Upcoming world-class retail icons include Westfield World Trade Center (opening in 2016) and Westfield Milan in Italy.
Westfield is deploying its global expertise to revolutionize the customer experience and create next generation environments in landmark airports across the U.S. Integrating the best in food, fashion, art, and entertainment, Westfield crafts a fully customizable journey that aligns with and reflects each community’s unique style, spirit and culture. Learn more at www.westfieldcorp.com/airports.
Westfield Corporation (ASX Code: WFD) is an internally managed, vertically integrated, shopping center group undertaking ownership, development, design, construction, funds/asset management, property management, leasing and marketing activities and employing approximately 2,000 staff worldwide. Westfield Corporation has interests in 34 shopping centers in the United States and the United Kingdom, encompassing approximately 6,500 retail outlets and total assets under management of $29 billion.
This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding future earnings and distributions. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees or predictions of future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, and which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the statements contained in this release. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this presentation. Except as required by law or regulation (including the ASX Listing Rules) we undertake no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Rock & Brews Westfield at LAX Press