I used to hate long lay-overs at the airport. HATED IT.
Now, its one of the only times I get to browse shops and buy books that I've been meaning to read for months and months.
I think airports, in general, have done a good job of becoming mini-commerce centers that are laid out well, offer good selections, and some unique items that I seem to be available only between gates and terminals.
Pricing? Well, that's another story. But they have a captive audience, and judging by the line at the airport Pizza Hut and the book store, the sales are brisk at airports around the country (isn't it amazing that we complain about gas prices, but will have no problem paying $2 or more for a little bottled water at the airport?)
AnalyzeThisBusiness here on KMM has a great post on the opportunities awaiting savy entrepreneurs at airports. It's worth the read.
The Austin, TX airport has done a great job of offering business opportunities to local businesses. While they don't offer as many "stores" as say Atlanta, their philosophy has been to give the space to locals as opposed to nation retailers such as Starbucks or McDonald's. So while you can't get a Big Mac there, you can get some of the best barbecue in Central TX thanks to the Salt Lick.
Posted by: Glenn Ross | May 24, 2006 6:28 AM | Permalink to Comment