WH Smith North America (WHSNA) has opened Uptown Phoenix and a branch of InMotion at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
The opening of the stores – inside the brand-new Terminal 4, S1 Concourse – was marked by a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by the presentation of a cheque to the company’s long-time charity partner, Miracle Flights, which provides free air transportation for children and adults who need help reaching specialty medical care.
WH Smith North America chief executive officer Toby Keir, chief business development officer Roddy McOwan, and divisional vice president Brian Griffin were joined by assistant aviation director and chief revenue officer of PHX, Roxann Favors, for the ceremony. WHSNA then presented a $43,660 check to Robert Sanchez, vice president of operations at Miracle Flights, and Miracle Flights mascot, Miles the Bear. Since the beginning of the partnership in 2021, WH Smith North America has raised a total of $243,316 for the charity through distribution and sale of plush Miles the Bear toys.
Uptown Phoenix is a concept that will elevate the experience of travellers, from the design to the variety of products offered in one convenient spot
Uptown Phoenix celebrates one of the city’s revitalised historic neighbourhoods
A proprietary concept
Uptown Phoenix offers those traveling to and from the Phoenix area a convenient marketplace to shop for anything they might need on their journey, including gifts, books, wellness products, tech, apparel, beverages, snacks and a full grab & go assortment. It was designed with influences and colour schemes that mimic the natural beauty of the Arizona desert, and features a grand mural created by local artist and Phoenix native, Isaac Caruso.
This proprietary concept, celebrating one of Phoenix’s revitalised historic neighbourhoods, was created in partnership with three women-owned local Phoenix businesses: Casa Unlimited Enterprises, an ACDBE- (Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) certified airport operator that has been in business for over 35 years, Changing Hands Bookstore, the city’s longest standing independent bookstore, and Melrose Pharmacy, founded by award-winning local pharmacist Teresa Dickenson.
“We were lucky to have so many fantastic partners involved with this project. The local vendors and businesses, our talented muralist, Isaac Caruso and the City of Phoenix Aviation Department all played such an important role in bringing this store to life,” said WHSNA's Toby Keir. “Uptown Phoenix is a concept that will elevate the experience of travellers, from the design to the variety of products offered in one convenient spot.”
This concept’s opening was completed in conjunction with a new InMotion location. There is a convenient passthrough between the two stores, creating one large marketplace. InMotion carries the latest tech products from brands such as Apple, Bose, Beats, Sony and GoPro. This opening marks the brand’s fourth location at PHX.
Images: WH Smith North America
