Under a 12-year contract awarded at San José Mineta International Airport, Hudson will open six specialty retail and travel convenience shops, including three hybrid concepts, across more than 6,750 ft2
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Aug. 12, 2025) – Hudson, part of global travel retail and food & beverage player Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL), announced today it has won a 12-year contract to bring six new retail concepts to San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) — a partnership that will elevate the retail concessions program through a diverse mix of travel essentials, specialty retail, and hybrid concepts that collectively create a distinct sense of place. The shops are part of SJC’s $16.9-million retail transformation featuring fresh looks and new technology that will enhance the travel experience.
Hudson’s thoughtfully crafted retail offering will celebrate the rich heritage and uniqueness of Santa Clara County and Northern California by prominently featuring local makers and partners in beautifully designed spaces meant to transport travelers to the iconic neighborhoods and region surrounding SJC. Seamless, technology-driven solutions will be an essential part of each store, a core pillar of Hudson’s retail experience and a nod to San José’s position in Silicon Valley. The stores will be equipped with in-store technology to engage travelers along their journey, such as digital screens to inform, and self-checkout, allowing for greater convenience and speed. Travelers will also be able to enjoy all the benefits of the Club Avolta loyalty program, gaining access to exclusive offers, rewards, and cross-promotions.
“SJC sought a retail offering that would appeal to its changing passenger demographic, and we have delivered what we know the airport’s growing number of leisure travelers will love. By spotlighting local businesses, offering unique products and experiences, and integrating engaging technology and fast speed of service, we will make travelers happier along their journey through SJC,” said Steve Johnson, President and CEO, North America, Avolta. “We appreciate that the City of San José chose Hudson to be a part of this exciting transformation of SJC.”
Beginning in early 2026, Hudson will open the six locations across more than 6,700 ft2 of concessions space in Terminal A and Terminal B at SJC, which welcomed nearly 12 million passengers in 2024 and will see an influx of travelers in 2026 when the region hosts Super Bowl LX, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, and FIFA World Cup.
“Partnering with Hudson to launch SJC’s next-generation retail program is one of the Airport’s highlights of the year,” said SJC Director of Aviation Mookie Patel. “Beyond enhancing revenues that are critical to support airport infrastructure and operations, this new retail program will bring some of the best of San José and our region into our terminals, just in time for travelers arriving for the major Bay Area sporting events taking place in 2026.”
In Terminal A, Hudson will unveil:
- Sonoma Life, an immersive specialty retail experience that will transport travelers into the picturesque vineyards and wine cellars of Northern California. This concept will transcend airport shopping experiences into a curated outpost of wine country featuring wineries from Sonoma County, Santa Cruz, and Morgan Hill. Travelers will be able to treat themselves to a bottle of wine or customize a gift basket and ship it to the destination of their choice, choosing from a diverse range of home and artisanal gifts from Alice Frost Designs and Lola x Kenneth Collaboration, and culinary delights from Mike & Niki’s Honey Company, Hella Hot Hot Sauce, Sweetdragon Baking Company, Garlic World, and Lala’s Jam Bar.
- Willow Glen Market, visually inspired by Willow Glen’s colorful storefronts and iconic signs. This hybrid travel essentials store will feature a curated selection of local products, including Terra & Self, Gooseberry Designs, Ashy Aromas, All the Way Handmade, and Tiny B Chocolates. Tech aficionados will love browsing the most sought-after electronics from brands like Apple, Beats, Bose, Sony, and Google.
- SoFA Provisions, located pre-security, a hybrid concept featuring San José’s coolest coffee shop, Nirvana Soul Coffee, made from sustainably grown, ethically sourced, and locally roasted beans. Travelers will also have the opportunity to browse delectable treats, pre-packaged bites, and last-minute, must-have travel essentials.
- Hudson, North America’s largest travel essentials and convenience brand designed with a seamless customer experience at its core. The store will offer snacks and beverages, travel and convenience necessities, local souvenirs, electronics, books, magazines, and more.
In Terminal B, Hudson will debut:
- Santana & Olsen, a hybrid convenience and specialty concept inspired from a day spent exploring Santana Row. Designed to encourage exploration, the store will feature local and specialty brand shops, including Oaklandish, Dear Handmade Life, LEGO, Google, and Clean Beauty.
- One San José, which will bring the energy and imagery of San José’s cultural hotspots together in a travel essentials store packed with local products and flavor, including Mike & Niki’s Honey Company and Nokki Farm. This store will also feature offerings from New Hope Girls, a non-profit in the Dominican Republic committed to rescuing, restoring, and empowering girls who have survived trafficking, abuse, and extreme vulnerability.
Hudson will operate the six new stores with two California-based entrepreneurs and certified Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partners: Angela Tsay (Oaklandish, LLC) and Michael E. Washington (Cato Hospitality Group, LLC).
About San José Mineta International Airport (SJC): Fly Simple.
Fueled by a culture of innovation, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is the Bay Area’s easiest and most dependable Airport due to its medium size, simple layout, temperate climate and location. SJC is located just minutes from downtown San José – the Bay Area’s largest city and the Capital of Silicon Valley. SJC is a self‐supporting enterprise owned and operated by the City of San José. In 2024, while celebrating 75 years of connecting the Bay Area with the world, SJC welcomed nearly 12 million passengers and was rated California’s top-performing airport for on-time departures by Cirium. SJC currently offers nonstop service to more than 40 domestic and international destinations. The Airport’s two fixed-base operators, as well as several corporate aviation tenants, serve the business aviation needs of Silicon Valley; corporate and general aviation traffic represents more than a quarter of aircraft operations at SJC. For more information and to connect with SJC on social media, visit flysanjose.com.
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About Hudson
Hudson, part of Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL), is a travel experience company turning the world of travel into a world of opportunity by being the Traveler’s Best Friend in more than 1,000 stores in airports, commuter hubs, landmarks, and tourist locations across North America. Our team members care for travelers as friends at our travel convenience, specialty retail, duty free, and food and beverage destinations. At the intersection of travel and retail, we partner with landlords and vendors, and take innovative, commercial approaches to deliver exceptional value.
Visit HudsonGroup.com for more information and connect with Hudson on LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Avolta
Avolta AG (SIX: AVOL) is the leading global travel retail and F&B player. With the traveler at its strategic core, Avolta maximizes every moment of the traveler’s journey through its combination of travel retail and travel food & beverage, passion for innovation and excellent execution. Avolta’s well-diversified business across geographical, channel and brand portfolio pillars operates in 70 countries and 1,000 locations, with over 5,100 points of sale across three segments – duty-free, food & beverage and convenience – and various channels, including airports, motorways, cruises ferries, railways, border shops and downtown. An inherent element of Avolta’s business strategy is aiming for sustainable and profitable growth of the company while fostering high standards of environmental stewardship and social equity– making meaningful impact in the local communities. The company’s access to 2.5 billion passengers each year reinforces the power of its more than 77,000 people, committed to surprising guests and delivering solid execution, supporting the company in creating value for all stakeholders.
To learn more about Avolta, please visit avoltaworld.com.