Travelers who want to shop while they wait for a flight at the new Terminal 1 will have several options.
San Diego International Airport will have five specialty stores inside its new $3.8 billion terminal when its first phase opens fully on Sept. 23.
Redundancy is common in airport stores so travelers don’t have to cross entire terminals to get, say, a phone charger, so expect similar items across all the retail locations. Yet, the new Terminal 1 has several stores that take great pains to include local flair. It might be easy to miss for stressed travelers, but there are touches of San Diego in most stores.
These retail locations only represent the first phase of the terminal, and several future stores are planned: A bookstore, a USS Midway Museum-themed retail location, another retail location with smaller items and a “lifestyle boutique” with California brands.
Here are the retail options when Terminal 1 opens next week:
Univision Travel Store
The Univision-branded store has become increasingly ubiquitous across North American airports, although don’t expect a TV crew there. The stores feature Latino-themed food items, Spanish language books and magazines, as well as TVs playing the network in high-definition. CNN and CNBC also have branded stores in many airports. The San Diego store will also feature a section called “iStore Express” for electronics, phone accessories and even espresso beverages by Costa Coffee.
The Arts District Market
This store will sell a variety of travel necessities, including tech gadgets and small items. There will also be books and local goods for sale. Patricia Cruz, a muralist known for her work in Chicano Park, has painted a mural inside the store.
SAN Supply Co.
This is one of those airport shops with just about everything: Magazines, books, electronics, drinks and grab-and-go snacks, like sandwiches, wraps and salads. The airport says it will include organic, gluten-free and vegetarian options.
No Boundaries
If you need last-minute clothes, No Boundaries features outdoor-focused gear from national brands like Kuhl, Columbia, Aventura and Carlsbad-based prAna. It might be focused on sports enthusiasts, but there should be items that appeal to a wider audience: Backpacks, sunglasses, rain gear and jackets.
Liberty Station Gifts
This store will feature goods that include handmade jewelry, gourmet treats and other products from more than 20 local artists and small-business vendors, the airport said. The store will play off of San Diego’s popular Liberty Public Market, which features many artisan shops. Liberty Station’s Instagram account said the store will include historic photos and little touches to connect the store to the region’s history.