For many travelers, the airport marks the beginning of a journey — a place where anticipation meets routine, and last-minute souvenirs often define the final moments before takeoff. Soon, visitors at London Gatwick Airport will find a new way to bring a piece of Britain home, thanks to an upcoming retail concept that celebrates the nation’s heritage and craftsmanship.
Lagardère Travel Retail, in partnership with London Gatwick, has announced the launch of Discover London, a premium British gifting store that will open in December 2025 in the airport’s South Terminal. Spanning 94 square meters, the new space aims to reimagine the travel shopping experience by curating products that tell the story of Britain — from iconic heritage brands to artisanal goods sourced locally from Sussex. A second store is already planned for mid-2026, further expanding the concept across the airport.
The initiative represents a deepening collaboration between Lagardère Travel Retail and London Gatwick, following the success of the LEGO® stores in both terminals. Together, they’re creating experiences that feel personal, memorable, and rooted in a sense of place — a growing trend among modern airports seeking to reflect the culture of their destinations rather than simply offer global brands.
“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with London Gatwick Airport through the upcoming opening of Discover London,” said Peter Newbould, CEO of Lagardère Travel Retail UK & Ireland. “Following the success of the LEGO® stores, this next step marks another exciting milestone in our journey. Discover London will bring a premium gifting concept to passengers and reflects our long-term commitment to enhancing the travel retail experience.”
For travelers passing through Gatwick, the store’s appeal goes beyond convenience. Discover London will showcase thousands of carefully selected items that highlight the best of British design, food, and culture — from timeless keepsakes and artisanal treats to exclusive collaborations with local makers. The emphasis on Sussex-sourced products underscores Lagardère’s strategy of blending global retail expertise with authentic local storytelling.
According to Jack Howe, Senior Retail Operations Manager at London Gatwick, the new concept reflects the airport’s ongoing investment in unique and meaningful passenger experiences. “The addition of Discover London will further enrich the retail offer at London Gatwick,” he said. “It builds on the success of the LEGO® stores and provides passengers with another distinctive shopping experience, while showcasing fantastic produce from Sussex and the wider region.”
Airport retail, once dominated by generic duty-free outlets, has evolved into an extension of the travel experience itself. Across Europe and Asia, terminals have become showcases for national identity — from Paris’s haute couture boutiques to Tokyo’s artisanal snack counters. With Discover London, Gatwick joins that movement, turning pre-flight browsing into an exploration of local culture.
Lagardère Travel Retail operates more than 4,900 stores worldwide across airports, rail stations, and other travel hubs, and generated €7.6 billion in global sales in 2024. Its portfolio spans travel essentials, dining, and duty-free, but concepts like Discover London demonstrate how the company is adapting to travelers’ desire for authenticity and connection. The retailer’s sustainability efforts and focus on regional partnerships have also become part of its brand DNA.
As global travel rebounds and passenger expectations evolve, airports are competing not just on routes and lounges but on the quality of the experiences they offer between check-in and boarding. For those transiting through Gatwick, Discover London may soon become a destination in its own right — a space where design, heritage, and discovery converge.
