Helsinki Airport Opens First Preloved Shop
When you are waiting for your flight at Finland’s Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, there’s a new retail concept to experience. Instead of going to the duty-free shop or having a cup of coffee at a kiosk, you can visit an exciting new shopping establishment that sells preloved clothing and accessories.
The new store and dining area is a collaboration between Finavia, the airport operator, and local business Relove, according to the Helinski Times. The new store’s recycling culture will bring a trendy experience to the airport and share the message of circular economies to a larger audience.
About the Relove airport shop
Relove’s new shop is the first second-hand store to be located in an airport, according to a press release from Finavia. The company is counting on the growing popularity of buying pre-owned items in Scandinavia. Besides quality second hand clothing, the store will also feature a café.
“We are constantly developing the airport’s selection, following trends and the wishes of passengers… it’s one of this year’s most anticipated new services,” Nora Immonen, Finavia’s VP and director of the commercial services business unit at Helsinki airport, said in the press release.
The new shop will be located in what was the former departures hall at the airport but is now part of the gate area. The hall is being completely redone with a new look with Finish architecture, a wooden design, and a unique selection of retail establishments. The redesigned hall is slated to open in the fall of 2023.
Award-winning airport
The redesigned hall is expected to be a big success in an airport that has already achieved widespread recognition for excellence. The Helsinki-Vantaa Airport was awarded the Best Airport in Europe 2023 in its size category by the International Airport Organization, according to a June 2023 press release from Finavia.
In addition to this award, the airport was selected as the best airport in Northern Europe as part of a customer satisfaction survey by Skytrax as well as the cleanest airport in Europe.
“We are delighted to have won the award and are proud that air passengers have chosen Helsinki Airport as the best airport in Europe. Year after year, Helsinki Airport continues to be ranked among the best airports in the world, ”Finavia’s CEO Kimmo Mäki said in the June press release.
The opening of a second-hand shop in this award-winning airport shows the commitment of the air industry to become more sustainable and circular in their airports, airplanes, aviation fuel, and in promoting recycling. Including a pre-loved apparel shop is just one step in the right direction.
