Mexico is embarking on a bold transformation of its airport retail landscape through a nine-year partnership between global travel retail leader Avolta and airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte (OMA). This ambitious agreement will see the complete overhaul of fifteen retail spaces spanning more than 3,000 square meters across four major airports—Monterrey, Mazatlán, Acapulco, and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. The project introduces immersive walk-through store designs, smart technology, and strong regional cultural themes, all aimed at elevating the passenger shopping experience. From artisanal mezcal and handcrafted souvenirs to digital kiosks and bilingual services, the redesigned stores promise to redefine duty-free shopping in Mexico while strengthening the country’s standing in global travel retail.
Avolta to Unveil Vibrant Retail Transformation Across Key Mexican Airports
For travelers passing through some of Mexico’s busiest airports, the sleek, familiar walk-through stores run by Avolta have long been a reliable stop for last-minute purchases—be it tequila in Monterrey or vacation essentials in Mazatlán. But that signature shopping experience is about to evolve dramatically under a bold new retail initiative that blends innovation, local culture, and digital convenience. Thanks to a recently finalized nine-year partnership with Grupo Aeroportuario Centro Norte (OMA), Avolta is set to launch a sweeping redesign of fifteen duty-free and travel retail outlets across four prominent Mexican airports: Monterrey, Mazatlán, Acapulco, and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. The transformation covers more than 3,000 square meters of commercial space and aims to enhance how travelers engage with Mexican culture, products, and brands.
Retail Revolution Across Four Key Airports
At the heart of Avolta’s redesign is a modernized walk-through concept grounded in three guiding principles: enhancing flow, deepening local connection, and improving brand engagement. Travelers will soon notice wider aisles that eliminate bottlenecks, architectural accents reflecting the region—like Talavera tile murals and Guerrero wood carvings—and well-placed displays steering guests to top-selling categories such as spirits, fragrances, and regional delicacies. Avolta’s tech-driven upgrades include smart digital price tags for real-time updates, touchscreen kiosks for bilingual assistance, and secure lockers supporting click-and-collect services. These innovations are intended to shorten browsing times while boosting transaction value.
Monterrey at the Forefront of Modernization
General Mariano Escobedo International Airport in Monterrey will lead the revamp. As OMA’s busiest airport and Avolta’s top revenue generator in Mexico, Monterrey will introduce a two-lane walk-through model that guides passengers—regardless of flight type—past immersive regional showcases. Here, travelers might find boutique displays featuring oak-aged añejo tequila, locally sourced spices, and luxury skincare made in Nuevo León. Additional highlights at the Monterrey location include:
- A newly expanded “Made in Mexico” section, emphasizing traditional crafts and modern artisan products
- Digital kiosks with product guides and shopping tips in English and Spanish
- A mobile pre-order platform tailored to travelers’ flight schedules
According to internal studies, such enhancements can raise the average purchase value by up to fifteen percent—an outcome both Avolta and OMA are keen to replicate across other locations.
Bringing Regional Identity to Life
Beyond Monterrey, each airport’s store will mirror its location’s identity. In Mazatlán, travelers will experience live demonstrations of freshly roasted regional coffee, while Acapulco’s airy outlets will celebrate the glamour of its 1960s surf scene with nostalgic decor and archival imagery. At the more intimate Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo airport, guests can browse rotating artisan pop-ups offering sustainable mezcal and handmade textiles from local communities. The design approach is rooted in authenticity and sensory appeal—inviting travelers to interact with Mexico’s culture in a space that feels personal, not commercial.
Strategic Investment for a Booming Travel Market
This transformation comes at a critical moment for the Mexican aviation and tourism sectors. With international visitor arrivals forecasted to grow by six percent annually through 2027, driven by rebounding cruise tourism and robust industrial activity in the north, demand for elevated airport retail is on the rise. As travel resumes at full pace post-pandemic, spending per passenger is also climbing. To adapt quickly to consumer trends, Avolta and OMA will implement advanced tools such as real-time sales tracking dashboards and biometric footfall counters. These allow operators to adjust stock and layout with speed and precision, minimizing waste and maximizing relevance. If proven effective, similar rollouts may soon follow in other secondary terminals across Mexico.
Elevating the Airport Experience With a Mexican Heart
For now, passengers flying through Monterrey, Mazatlán, Acapulco, and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo can expect more than just functional shopping. They’ll be stepping into vibrant, locally flavored spaces that offer discovery, convenience, and storytelling. Whether it’s sipping highland-grown coffee, selecting handwoven souvenirs, or simply enjoying the sights and smells of a modern Mexican market, Avolta’s new concept is built to captivate and inspire. Mexico is set to transform the passenger retail experience at four major airports as Avolta launches a bold nine-year overhaul with OMA, blending cultural identity with next-gen travel retail innovation. These stores are not just an enhancement of airport infrastructure—they’re a celebration of Mexican craftsmanship, culture, and innovation, designed to give travelers a reason to linger a little longer before they take off.
