WHSmith North America (WHSNA) has opened two of its retail concepts, Uptown Phoenix and InMotion, inside the brand-new Terminal 4, S1 Concourse at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The stores were celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by a check presentation 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.
WHSmith North America executives Toby Keir, chief executive officer, Roddy McOwan, chief business development officer, and Brian Griffin, divisional vice president, were joined by assistant aviation director and chief revenue officer of PHX, Roxann Favors, for a special ribbon cutting in front of Uptown Phoenix to commemorate the opening. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, WHSmith North America 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 will carry gifts, books, wellness products, tech, apparel, beverages, snacks and a full grab & go assortment.
The store design and color scheme were influenced by the natural beauty of the Arizona desert. The store features a grand mural created by local artist and Phoenix native, Isaac Caruso, to purchase at Uptown Phoenix.
This proprietary concept, which celebrates one of Phoenix’s revitalized historic neighborhoods, was created in partnership with three women-owned local Phoenix businesses including Casa Unlimited Enterprises, an ACDBE 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.
The specialty airport retailer also opened a new InMotion location that was built side-by-side with the new Uptown Phoenix. The two stores have a convenient pass-through between them, creating one large marketplace. This opening marks the brand’s fourth location at PHX.
