Little
Market Place
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Charlotte, North Carolina
Project Type
Specialty Retail
Size
1,960 Square Feet
Design Services
Brand Experience, Engineering, Interior Architecture
Market Place redefines the airport retail experience at Charlotte Douglas International Airport's newly expanded Concourse A.
This upscale convenience store seamlessly blends convenience, sophistication, and a regional touch to cater to global travelers. With a thoughtfully curated selection of food, beverages, travel essentials, and gifts, Market Place provides a stress-free and stylish shopping environment in one of the world’s busiest airports.
PROJECT GOALS
Market Place transforms the traditional grab-and-go convenience store into a boutique-style experience.
Designed for ease and calm, the space offers busy travelers a seamless, stress-free shopping environment while complementing the architectural vision of Terminal A’s expansion. A carefully curated layout ensures intuitive navigation with strategically placed fixtures and self-checkout options, enhancing efficiency. Warm materials and locally inspired design elements, including biophilic touches, create a welcoming ambiance that establishes a strong, memorable brand presence within the bustling airport.
Objectives
- Intuitive & Elevated Shopping Experience
- Unique Design Features
- Premium Materials & Finishes
Solutions
Market Place elevates airport retail by seamlessly blending convenience, sophistication, and regional character. Every detail—from the intuitive layout to premium materials and local graphics—creates a refined yet accessible shopping experience that enhances both functionality and sense of place.
SUSTAINABILITY
Eco-friendly design rooted in local culture
Market Place integrates biophilic design with warm, organic materials in the ceiling treatment, walls, and millwork, while wood laminate and natural-inspired finishes create an inviting, eco-conscious aesthetic. Energy-efficient lighting further enhances sustainability, reducing power density by 11% compared to code requirements.
DESIGN CHALLENGES
Overcoming limits with bold, functional design
Market Place tackled design challenges with smart solutions, turning constraints into features. Wood laminate beams added depth to the low ceiling, while a custom brick self-checkout station concealed structural elements. Close collaboration with vendors ensured a seamless, high-quality build within the tight timeline.
UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENTS
Enhance the brand story and customer journey at every touchpoint
Market Place’s design blends travel-inspired elements with regional charm. A Vespa display evokes adventure, while muscadine vine graphics celebrate North Carolina’s heritage, creating a tranquil sense of place. Layered lighting, rich textures, and premium materials like brick veneer and wood laminate enhance the boutique aesthetic with warmth and sophistication.
Results
Market Place at Charlotte Douglas International Airport elevates the airport retail experience with its boutique-style design, thoughtful layout, and locally inspired aesthetic. Through innovative solutions, premium materials, and a seamless customer experience, this new concept redefines convenience retail for modern travelers.
“Market Place is known within the airport community as the jewel in the crown of CLT.”
– Client
