Hudson wins retail contract at Des Moines International Airport

The new River & Grand by Hudson store will feature a variety of Iowa-inspired gifts and travel essentials.

Hudson, the East Rutherford, New Jersey-based global travel retail and food & beverage player for Avolta, has received an eight-year contract at Des Moines International Airport, marking a new chapter in the company’s long-standing presence at Iowa’s capital city airport.

With the opening of Des Moines International Airport’s new terminal in 2027, Hudson will debut River & Grand by Hudson as a locally inspired news, gifts and travel essentials shop. River & Grand will celebrate Des Moines’ creative community, showcasing products from local artisans and brands, including Raygun, Bozz Prints, BLK & Bold, Clear Creek Orchard, Ironwood Candle Co. and Brown Dogs Farm.

In addition, Hudson’s apparel collection will spotlight Iowa icons, with clothing brands Homage celebrating Des Moines-area native and WNBA star Caitlin Clark and Baseballism paying tribute to the Field of Dreams film.

Hudson says the retail mix will also feature an expansive selection of fresh food options, better-for-you snacks, essential travel necessities and premium electronics from Apple, Beats, Bose and Sony.

The store will also feature self-checkout options, allowing for convenience and speed.

“Des Moines International Airport has been a meaningful part of Hudson’s story for more thana decade, and we’re proud to build on that relationship as DSM enters this new phase,” says Steve Johnson, president and CEO of North America at Avolta. “We designed River & Grand to enhance the journey through DSM’s new terminal, giving travelers a tangible connection to the region and supporting the makers, brands and entrepreneurs who define it.”

Brian Mulcahy, CEO of the Des Moines Airport Authority, says this partnership ensures the airport has a retail experience that’s distinctly Iowa.

“When our new terminal opens in January 2027, travelers will discover a marketplace filled with local products, artisan goods and Iowa-inspired gifts that celebrate our state’s culture while supporting the businesses and communities that rely on DSM every day,” he says.