How one of our favourite Aussie brands is stirring up the world of travel
Are you partial to a touch of retail therapy? Then you’ll certainly be familiar with the Westfield brand that has made itself a household name across Australia since it was first founded in 1960.
But did you know that this well-known and beloved of Aussie brand has also been stirring things up in the world of US airports for more than 20 years?
LAX recently partnered with Westfield as it undergoes one of the most significant airport overhauls ever seen.
“LAX was a natural opportunity to put our retail and consumer experience to work at one of the world’s most iconic airports,” Westfield Vice President of Development, Keith Kaplan said.
“Through a long-term partnership with the City of Los Angeles and Los Angeles World Airports, we are transforming and managing the customer experience at LAX Terminals 1, 2, 3, 6 and Tom Bradley International Terminal.”
Westfield celebrated the official reveal of the new Terminal 2 earlier this month, with it featuring 16 new dining and retail destinations, including several Southern Californian brands.
“Our design, ‘L.A. in Motion’, captures the on-the-go attitude and creative innovation of the city,” Kaplan explained.
The transformative juices are still flowing. The first phase of the redevelopment of Terminal 1 is only just complete, and Terminal 6 is due to be finished later this year.
“Think exciting, engaging, relaxing and think innovation,” Kaplan urged.
And the creativity won’t stop there.
“In the future, imagine a seamless customer experience where the digital and physical worlds converge from the home to the gate and beyond, enabling customers to browse, navigate and purchase at any time.”
Here are our five favourite things about Westfield at LAX:
Get a VIP experience without being in an airline lounge
The sweeping 360-degree views and state-of the-art multimedia screens in the Mezzanine Lounge in Tom Bradley International Terminal give this relaxation area a high-end feel.
Add comfortable lounge seating and glowing décor to the mix and you may find yourself never wanting to leave.
The area is also home to a number of dining options such as III Forks Steakhouse, Luckyfish and Drink L.A.
Indulge in a high-end retail fix
International and Southern Californian brands collide at this premium retail precinct also located in Tom Bradley International Terminal, offering something to keep every traveller happy.
Retailers including Fred Segal, Bvlgari and Michael Kors display their wares behind inviting storefronts with flow-through access beneath the latticed open ceilings.
Enjoy culinary creations by some top chefs
The food dished up by local restaurants such as Border Grill, Larder at Tavern, 800 Degrees Pizza and Umami Burger will keep even the fussiest of gourmet travellers happy. The comfortable yet refined setting takes the Dining Terrace at Tom Bradley International Terminal to the next level. For travellers who are on the go but still want a taste of L.A. luxury, have an inflight snack like no other by picking up an insulted carry pack of Petrossian’s renowned caviar.
Do some plane spotting
The floor-to-ceiling windows of the Edge Lounge create the ideal location for a little plane spotting.
If that’s not your thing, then enjoy the breathtaking vistas of L.A. Or head to nearby Vino Volo for a glass of wine. Not sure which one to pick? The sommelier will help you out.
Even if you just need to get on with some work, you’ll find more than enough power points and Wi-FI to keep you well connected.
Get your last dose of L.A. style
You may be due for another flight in a few short hours, but why not soak up the L.A. vibe in the meantime? In the Boutique District at Tom Bradley International Terminal, the gleaming storefronts are inspired by the boutiques of Rodeo Drive and Melrose Avenue.
You can work your way around the premium retail outlets and lose yourself in the quintessential L.A. shopping experience, whilst indulging in some people watching of Angelenos and fellow travellers.
Find out more by checking out the LAXisHappening.com website
Main image: Have the quintessential L.A. shopping experience at Westfield at LAX. Credit: Westfield
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Working on UX at airports now and this will be interesting. Westfield is good at bricks and mortar so it remains to be seen how the digital UX will be transformed.