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# Diversified Airport Retail Programs
LaunchPad is Helping Small Businesses Set Up Shop in Airports

By Ell Smith | Published 2018-05-08 | World
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/launchpad
References: [psfk](https://www.psfk.com/2018/05/airport-retail-local-startups-baltimore.html) & [fraport-usa](https://www.fraport-usa.com/news/2018/05/01/small-local-businesses-take-flight-at-bwi-marshall/)

Airport retail lacks diversity and a new LaunchPad program believes that small businesses can add a little more excitement to the typically mundane experience most travelers go through.

LaunchPad helps [small businesses get off the ground](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shop-aberdeen) and this new initiative will help these start-ups and independent companies get the recognition they deserve at some of the heaviest trafficked [airport locations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popups-at-airport-hubs). The program will enable a new and diverse group of businesses to set up shop for up to a year, expanding their client base while offering travelers a more diversified [retail experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/immersive-aperol-experiences).

The new program has just commenced a successful trial period at Baltimore's BWI Airport and is set to expand to other cities in the near future.

Image Credit: Fraport USA

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.7/10
- Popularity: 34% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [World](https://www.trendhunter.com/world) > [Travel](https://www.trendhunter.com/travel)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Diversified Airport Retail:** Opportunity to offer travelers a more diverse and exciting retail experience in airports.
- **Small Business Support:** Opportunity to help small businesses gain recognition and expand their client base in high-traffic airport locations.
- **Launchpad Program:** Opportunity to provide a platform for start-ups and independent companies to set up shop at airports, boosting their visibility and success.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Retail:** Opportunity for retail companies to tap into the airport market and diversify their offerings to cater to frequent travelers.
- **Hospitality:** Opportunity for airport hospitality businesses to partner with diverse retailers and enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.
- **Start-up Support:** Opportunity for organizations that support start-ups to collaborate with LaunchPad program and help small businesses thrive in airport environments.

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