Heathrow renews travel essentials offer

Heathrow Airport has announced a strategic turning point in its travel essentials offering, signing new and important agreements with WHSmith and Lagardère Travel Retail. The goal: to improve the shopping experience of passengers at the airport with an innovative approach that combines books, newspapers, health, beauty and fast food products in a single space.

The new strategy, the result of large-scale consultation with thousands of travellers, provides for the introduction of the "blended essentials" concept in all terminals, integrating essential product categories for travellers under one roof.

Lagardère Travel Retail at London Heathrow Airport

In detail, Lagardère Travel Retail will debut in the UK with its flagship brand RELAY, operating four stores within Terminal 2 starting in summer 2026. The main store on the departures level will also include a pharmacy, while the other spaces will offer books, toys, souvenirs, snacks and drinks "to go". One of the boutiques will also feature the Discover concept, dedicated to local souvenirs, while an additional RELAY store will be opened in the landside check-in area.

WHSmith at London Heathrow Airport

WHSmith, a historic British brand, will extend its presence in Terminals 3, 4 and 5 with over 20 points of sale. The agreement includes the opening of three global one-stop-shop flagship stores that complement Smith's Family Kitchen food offerings, a wide range of bakery and coffee products, and a full range of personal care and beauty items from leading brands. WHSmith will also be the leading provider of airside pharmaceutical services in the affected terminals.

Heathrow is a reference point in European airport shopping, and is continuously committed to offering modern, practical and well-organized spaces, designed to meet the needs of an increasingly attentive, informed passenger with little time available.