Oakland Airport (OAK) is rolling out the welcome mat for its latest retail addition, "Shop the Town". This store is one of 16 slated to pop up in the airport. Operated by the retail group Paradies Lagardère, Shop the Town is more than your average airport shop. In the heart of OAK's Terminal 2, near gate 24, the store spotlighted Bay Area commerce, ranging from gourmet snacks to regional wines and even locally crafted gifts and jewelry. They're open for business every day from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
"We are progressing quickly on our new retail program here at OAK, and we’re pleased to introduce the second new location with the opening of Shop the Town", said Port of Oakland's Director of Aviation Craig Simon, in a statement to Oakland Airport. What makes this store stand out is the focus on locally-made products from businesses in the Bay Area’s backyard.
Highlighting local talent, Shop the Town isn't just about selling products but about telling stories. Paradies Lagardère's "Meet the Artisan" program introduces travelers to the people behind the products. This means featuring local favorites like Oakland's Own, Doodles.Ink, Old Salt Merchants, Bicycle Coffee Co., and Wooden Table Baking Co. And to wrap it all in local flair, Shop the Town showcases a mural by Oakland artist Paulette Nichols, adding a visual narrative to the store's atmosphere.
