Sydney Airport has announced Australian Way Pty Ltd (AWPL) as the new Australian experience travel retailer in T1 Departures, as part of the T1 improvement program.

The new partnership signifies a re-imagining of the category as part of the traveller’s journey by developing a uniquely Australian retail experience that will further position the retail offer at Sydney Airport as distinctly Australian.

With seven retail outlets to open at Sydney Airport, AWPL will deliver an enhanced offer to passengers for all their Australian experience needs by providing wider product assortments across a range of emerging categories with unparalleled product value.

The appointment of AWPL follows a competitive tender process that sought to find the most innovative player in the category with an exceptional approach to customer service within a bespoke retail setting.

The new stores within T1 will enhance the overall passenger experience by showcasing an open layout that encourages travellers to explore the space and the extensive range of major Australian brands on offer.

“Our objective is to reimagine the category by delivering the next chapter in gifts and souvenirs, in line with Sydney Airport’s reputation of achieving unparalleled retail excellence,” Sydney Airport GM retail, Glyn Williams, said.

“AWPL has over 20 years’ experience in the travel retail business and presented a solid business strategy for transforming the traditional gift and souvenir offering at Sydney Airport. We are looking forward to a successful partnership across the seven locations in the T1 terminal.”

AWPL Managing Director Costa Kouros said, “The team at AWPL is delighted to announce our partnership with Sydney Airport. We have a strong focus on people and culture. We will develop a sense of place through our store designs and offer best price value in all key categories ensuring passengers can purchase with confidence in every one of our seven stores at Sydney Airport.”

The first of the AWPL stores will open at T1 in November 2015.