Most airport shops sell the same basic things: snacks, headphones, books, and last-minute souvenirs.
This one was different—and that’s exactly why so many travelers are hoping it finds a way back.
If there’s one thing travel geeks love, it’s travel-related merch. I mean, over the years I’ve certainly gotten my share.
The thing is, it’s one thing to find “homemade” shirts, like those “You Got Bonvoyed” or “MCO carpet” shirts. It’s another to get your hands on “official” merch, like that TWA shirt that’s only sold at the TWA Hotel, or that BoardingArea shirt that you can only get from…well, you know.
And the thing is, many airlines sell their own merch; it’s just a matter of getting it. And for some things, like shirts for example, you may want to see it in person before you buy it.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport had such a place. It was called the DFW Employee Store. As the title said, it was made for employees, but it was located in a public area of the airport (Terminal C, near Gate C2) and was billed as, “A unique retail store dedicated to airline and travel themed merchandise for airline employees, parents, retirees and lovers of airlines.”
The DFW Employee Store was very “American Airlines-heavy” in terms of logo merch (DFW is AA’s flagship hub, so that made sense), but they also carried items with logos from other airlines that serve or have served DFW. Plus, besides the licensed insignia, it also carried a nice selection of Travelpro FlightCrew luggage, regulation shoes, hosiery, badge holders, travel accessories, etc.
Needless to say, it was very popular for both employees and travelers alike (or as owner Steve Cosgrove called it, it was, “a slice of avgeek heaven.”)
Unfortunately, the section of Terminal C where the store was located is scheduled for renovations, so all businesses were required to close up shop by June 1st. Cosgrove has been searching for a new space at the airport, but it’s been difficult at best.
On June 3, he posted on the store’s FB page:
Met with several of the people today from the concessions department at the DFW Airport about the store coming back. They were very nice and listened To what I had to say.
We easily fit what they say they are wanting in new shops and stores. Unique products with a great customer expeience.
Have to get what is called SBEC certified first. The wait for an RFP to be issued that would fit what they are looking for and what the store has to offer. Appears the next round comes this fall.
So will work on the SEBC certification and then wait for the RFPs to come out and see if we fit into any of them.
So at best we might be back at the end of the year and that is if we are lucky. Wish I had better news to share but that’s what I learned today.
Keep writing the airport the store and why we need to come back so we stay top of mind over there.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport had such a place. It was called the DFW Employee Store. As the title said, it was made for employees, but it was located in a public area of the airport (Terminal C, near Gate C2) and was billed as, “A unique retail store dedicated to airline and travel themed merchandise for airline employees, parents, retirees and lovers of airlines.”
The DFW Employee Store was very “American Airlines-heavy” in terms of logo merch (DFW is AA’s flagship hub, so that made sense), but they also carried items with logos from other airlines that serve or have served DFW. Plus, besides the licensed insignia, it also carried a nice selection of Travelpro FlightCrew luggage, regulation shoes, hosiery, badge holders, travel accessories, etc.
Needless to say, it was very popular for both employees and travelers alike (or as owner Steve Cosgrove called it, it was “a slice of avgeek heaven.”)
Unfortunately, the section of Terminal C where the store was located is scheduled for renovations, so all businesses were required to close up shop by June 1st. Cosgrove has been searching for a new space at the airport, but it’s been difficult at best.
On June 3, he posted on the store’s FB page:
Met with several of the people today from the concessions department at the DFW Airport about the store coming back. They were very nice and listened To what I had to say.
We easily fit what they say they are wanting in new shops and stores. Unique products with a great customer expeience.
Have to get what is called SBEC certified first. The wait for an RFP to be issued that would fit what they are looking for and what the store has to offer. Appears the next round comes this fall.
So will work on the SEBC certification and then wait for the RFPs to come out and see if we fit into any of them.
So at best we might be back at the end of the year and that is if we are lucky. Wish I had better news to share but that’s what I learned today.
Keep writing the airport the store and why we need to come back so we stay top of mind over there.
Meanwhile, the DFW Store is still available for online orders. Click here to visit, and keep your fingers crossed that they’ll be able to have another storefront at DFW ASAP!
At the moment, the DFW Employee Store’s future seems to depend on finding the right opportunity when the airport begins accepting proposals for new concession spaces later this year.
That’s not exactly the news its fans were hoping for.
Still, the fact that airport officials were willing to meet with Cosgrove—and that he’s already taking the steps needed to qualify for future opportunities—suggests there’s at least a path forward.
For now, travelers can still support the store online and continue letting DFW know they’d like to see it return. And if the reaction from customers over the past few weeks is any indication, there are plenty of people rooting for this little slice of avgeek heaven to find a new home at the airport. ❤️
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