Layover, delay? Go shopping

Many airport retailers address shoppers' concerns about what to do with the stuff they buy by offering free shipping. Others find they sell more smaller items such as ties or jewelry that don't cause carry-on problems.

"If you look at what they're selling predominantly at those locations, it's the cash-and-carry items," Butler said. "They also do a lot of things that are giftable."

While many airports are expanding their retail offerings at existing terminals, others are incorporating more retail space into future plans. For instance, when Detroit Metro Airport opened its McNamara Terminal in 2002, the new building was designed to accommodate 125,000 square feet of food and retail services.

"One of the goals was to really create a great concession space," said Lassaline.

Airports either lease their space directly to retailers or hire a property management firm. In either case, airports have a say in the mix of retailers they host and can veto leases. Many seek a mix of national brands and local retailers and restaurants to give travelers a taste of the local fare. In addition to Brooks Brothers, for instance, Detroit Metro has a Henry Ford Museum store and a Motown Music Review shop.

While airports see stores as a revenue opportunity, travelers view them as a convenience.

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"When there's a layover it definitely makes it convenient," said Art Foley, of Columbus, Ohio, on his way to catch a flight at Newark recently. "It makes it more pleasurable to have those there versus 10 years ago when there was nothing to shop at in an airport."

Some passengers find they can take care of routine errands while waiting for flights.

"If they can do it while traveling at the airport, then they don't have to waste time on a weekend at a mall," McAllister said.

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Airports overseas have long offered a much better variety of shopping and dining options than their American counterparts, said Susan Bush, manager of concession programs for The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

"The passengers are looking for these kinds of establishments," Bush said. "Over the last 10 to 15 years, our American airports have come up to speed."

Some airports feel their retail offerings actually give them a competitive advantage.

Said Lassaline: "I think we get ... people who choose to fly through Detroit because of those options."

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