Hudson Unveils Second Hudson Nonstop Location Using Amazon’s Just Walk Out Technology

Hudson Nonstop Prepares For Takeoff At Chicago Midway Int’l. Airport, Executing On Hudson’s Overarching Strategy Of Leveraging Digital Innovation To Enhance The Traveler Experience

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hudson, a travel experience leader with more than 1,000 stores in airports, commuter hubs, landmarks and tourist destinations across North America, today announced it will bring its innovative Hudson Nonstop concept, powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, to a new North American airport destination with a location at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).

Slated to open in mid-2021, just a few months after the successful inaugural store opening at Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL), Hudson Nonstop at MDW celebrates effortless convenience and unrivaled purchasing speed across all touchpoints of the shopping experience.

“Hudson Nonstop is really all about the traveler – delivering what they want and how they want it. Our first store is proving that travelers are embracing this innovative new concept, and so we’re thrilled to announce our second location opening in mid-2021,” said Brian Quinn, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hudson. “Midway is an ideal location for Hudson Nonstop given Chicago’s fast-paced lifestyle, and we know travelers there will enjoy just how easy it is to ‘grab and go’ in this contactless and checkout-free environment.”

Leveraging Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, Hudson Nonstop will allow travelers passing through the Windy City to enter the store with their credit card, pick up their must-have travel essentials ranging from snacks and goodies to trendy electronics and wellness items, and then leave the store, eliminating the need to wait in checkout lines or stopping to pay in-store.

Developed in partnership with the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) and Midway Partnership, Hudson Nonstop will be the first-of-its-kind, checkout-free store at MDW as part of the airport’s historic concessions redevelopment program. The program, designed to revolutionize the selection of shopping and dining options for travelers across the airport’s two concourses, brings together industry-leading brands and beloved fan-favorite local concepts – now perfectly complemented by the upcoming addition of Hudson Nonstop.

"Offering safe and healthy travel experiences for our passengers is more important than ever, and we are delighted to add to Midway's convenient, contactless options for shopping and dining with the arrival of Hudson Nonstop, powered by Amazon's Just Walk Out technology," said Jamie L. Rhee, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation.

“The elimination of checkout-line friction will appeal to all of our passengers, but in particular our time-sensitive travelers, as purchases can be made at the speed and convenience that best fits their schedule,” said Sammy Patel, Chief Executive Officer, Midway Partnership. “The addition of Hudson Nonstop to our concession lineup allows Midway Partnership to offer the next-generation amenities that exceed passengers' and airport employees' expectations and solidifies our focus on enhancing the shopping experience at the airport.”

For more than two decades, Hudson has operated in the admired and award-winning airport, a testament to the deep-rooted partnerships and joint commitment to delivering best-in-class service from arrival to departure. With more than 20 distinct retail offerings, including the iconic FAO Schwarz store, Hudson continues to entice MDW travelers with a personalized gateway to unmatched retail excellence.

About Hudson

Hudson, a Dufry Company, is a travel experience company turning the world of travel into a world of opportunity by being the Traveler’s Best Friend in more than 1,000 stores in airports, commuter hubs, landmarks, and tourist locations. Our team members care for travelers as friends at our travel convenience, specialty retail, duty free and food and beverage destinations. At the intersection of travel and retail, we partner with landlords and vendors, and take innovative, commercial approaches to deliver exceptional value. To learn more about how we can make your location a travel destination, please visit us at hudsongroup.com or follow our journey on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA)

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is self-supporting, using no local or state tax dollars for operations or capital improvements at O'Hare and Midway International Airports. Chicago's airports offer service to over 260 nonstop destinations worldwide, including 47 foreign countries, combined. Together, Chicago's airports serve more than 100 million passengers each year and generate approximately $60 billion in annual economic activity for the region. Please visit www.flychicago.com to learn more about the Chicago Department of Aviation.

About Midway Partnership

Midway Partnership is a joint venture comprised of some of the top companies in the aviation industry – Vantage Airport Group, Hudson, and SSP America – tasked with transforming the dining and shopping options at Midway Airport. Midway Partnership will invest $75 million to bring more than 70 dining and retail brands to Midway, create 1,400 permanent new jobs, 250 construction jobs and increase the total concessions area from approximately 40,000 square feet to more than 70,000 square feet. Our work will position Midway to be a leading international airport in the coming years, generate tens of millions of dollars for Chicago residents and the city, and improve the Midway passengers' travel experiences annually. For more information about Midway Partnership, visit www.midwaypartnership.com.