We've been thinking about captive retail lately and interested in the changes occurring within the travel industry. 

Now that passengers are responsible for being at the airport well before their scheduled departure, the opportunites are endless for restaurants, retailers, and lifestyle services interested in challenging traditional gift stores or fast food outposts for customer share. Examples include: 

• Airport offerings are more upscale in major markets; with hubs like Heathrow and Hong Kong offering an array of deluxe services from salons for a post-transatlantic blowout to sleeping quarters for a little shuteye during a layover.
• Many collegues jokingly say that the best shopping and value (duty free) in Rome is at L’Aeroporto di Fiumicino.
• In the US, Butter London has opened airport locations for a quick mani/pedi before you go on holiday.
• Luxury champagne bars and sushi restaurants help to make travel an iconic experience in Heathrow.