Fashion jewelry and crystal decor designer Swarovski (New York) has partnered with Corliss Stone-Littles, a concessionaire specializing in airport retail operations, to open a licensed boutique at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport next month.
The 430 square-foot space will carry Swarovski’s full range of fashion jewelry and watches, as well as home accessories and decor objects. The Detroit boutique will also be the first airport location in the U.S. to feature its “Crystal Forest” retail design concept, created in collaboration with Tokujin Yoshioka, and featuring crystal strand panels, a Chrysalis chandelier, a stainless-steel prism exterior, textured walls featuring reflective white prisms and white lacquer and mirror stainless-steel finishes.
Swarovski has 17 licensed boutiques in the U.S., including four airport locations. Plans call for 14 more licensed boutiques by the end of 2012, with at least three of the new locations in airports. The company says its licensed boutiques average $1500 to $5000 sales per square foot, depending on the venue and the size of the space. Current airport locations include John F. Kennedy Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Philadelphia International Airport.
“Swarovski’s strong track record with airport locations led us to pursue the opportunity at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport,” says John Heidt, vp, retail for Swarovski North America Limited’s Consumer Goods Business. “Our plan is to grow our airport licensed boutique business.”
Corliss Stone-Littles, which operates more than 50 retail concessions in nine major metropolitan airports, will lease and operate the space.