metro airport.jpg

Outside of Detroit Metro Airport

(AP File Photo)

DETROIT, MI - National media outlet CNN says that not so long ago, having a layover on a connecting flight was akin to having “skin graft surgery between root canals.”

That is apparently far from the case, however, at five airports the news outlet has named America's most luxurious airport layovers, including Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).

CNN says that “high-end whimsy” can be found in the McNamara and North terminals at DTW, noting retail spots such as Vino Volo (a wine shop), a PGA Tour Shop, a Be-Relax Spa and a Porsche Design Store, as well as culinary options such as PB&J and soon-to-arrive Dylan’s Candy Bar, a venture by Ralph Lauren’s daughter.

Actually, Be-Relax and Dylan's are just two of 29 new stores planned for the McNamara Terminal as part of a retail upgrade that will be complete by next Spring.

The latest openings are part of what airport officials say will generate $7.7 million in revenue for the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) in its first year, and $62 million over its seven-year term – a rise of 16.9 percent above its current retail program.All of the funds raised from the $13 million vendor program will go toward airport operations.

The updated, self-sustaining retail program was announced in October. A full list of the retailers can be seen below, with the ones that have already opened up in bold.

In addition to DTW, CNN highlighted San Francisco International Airport, Miami International Airport, Logan International Airport in Boston and the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City.

• Be Relax – Full-service spa with skin care products from leading brands

• The Body Shop – Health and beauty

• Brighton Collectibles – Designer fashion accessories for women

• Brooks Brothers – Classic American casual and business clothier

• Brookstone – Assorted travel and lifestyle products

• CNBC Smartshop - Travel store & newsstand, some with Tim Horton's coffee & pastries

• Creative Kidstuff – Merchandise and entertainment for young travelers

• Desigual – Designer apparel, featuring U*tique Shop--an automated retail store concept

• Detroit! – Popular local products and Detroit-themed memorabilia

• Dylan's Candy Bar** - Bulk and nostalgic candies plus signature Belgian-style chocolates

• EA SPORTS - Sports merchandise, gaming and interactive entertainment

• The Economist - Travel store & newsstand with Caribou Coffee

• Erwin Pearl – Jewelry and accessories offering affordable luxury

• Green – A Natural Living Store – Eco-minded, organic and recycled/repurposed goods

• Johnston & Murphy – Premium footwear and accessories

• Michigan Sports – Officially-licensed merchandise featuring Michigan teams

• NBC News* - Travel store & newsstand

• The New York Times - Bookstore and newsstand, with Tim Horton's coffee & pastries

• PANDORA – Handcrafted designer fashion jewelry

• PGA TOUR Shop – Golf boutique with PGA Tour-branded products and interactive simulator

• Porsche Design*** - Luggage, gifts and accessories inspired by Porsche

• Running Fit** - Fitness-minded shoes and apparel

• Soundbalance – Mobile electronics and accessories for business and entertainment

• Spanx – Body-shaping innovations for men and women

• Sunglass Icon – Eyewear from the world's leading luxury and sport-minded designers

• Time Newsstand* (some with Starbucks Coffee)

• TODAY* - Travel store, newsstand and NBC's TODAY-logoed boutique

• Wall Street Journal Travel store & newsstand, some with Starbucks Coffee

• Z Market Wellness Travel store with Mills Pharmacy + Apothecary**

• ZoZo – Eclectic and contemporary specialty gifts

* First-ever retail location

** First-ever airport location

*** First airport location in the Americas