Frankfurt Airport, one of Europe's most important international air traffic hubs, is preparing for the opening of its new Terminal 3 in spring 2026. A core element of this megaproject is the future retail offering, which will cover a total area of 12.000 square meters and include 64 shops and service units. Fraport, the airport operator, has now announced the concessionaires for this "marketplace," which is intended to offer passengers an innovative, customer-centric, and aesthetically pleasing shopping experience. The vision, "The Art of Retail in the Heart of Europe," is intended to reflect the airport's international importance while also bearing a unique signature.
The retail plans for Terminal 3 are primarily focused on the international transit area. A central marketplace surrounded by fifteen shops will serve as the vibrant hub of the new terminal. Beneath a futuristic ceiling, a bar and two food courts with nearly XNUMX seats will invite passengers to linger and enjoy a meal. This concept is intended not only to offer shopping opportunities, but also to create space for relaxation and culinary experiences before continuing their journey. The combination of shopping, dining, and rest areas is designed to significantly enhance the quality of stay in the terminal and make the transition area more pleasant for travelers.
Anke Giesen, Fraport Executive Board Member for Retail and Real Estate, emphasized the company's satisfaction with the completion of the marketing phase: "After the successful completion of the marketing phase, we look forward to an attractive retail mix that meets the needs of passengers and employees alike." She emphasized that Fraport, together with the concessionaires, is consistently committed to developing attractive concepts that appeal to target groups. "This is our vision for the retail experience at Frankfurt Airport, which we will continue to implement in an architecturally spectacular setting in Terminal 3," Giesen continued. The terminal's architecture, which emphasizes openness and natural lighting, is intended to create a special atmosphere that underpins the shopping experience.
Exclusive brands and proven partnerships: The retail mix
A key component of the retail offering is the expansion of the duty-free and travel value shops operated by Frankfurt Airport Retail GmbH (FAR). With the opening of Terminal 3, FAR, a joint venture between Fraport and the long-established Hamburg-based company Gebr. Heinemann, is increasing the number of its shops at Frankfurt Airport from four to a total of 23. This underscores the importance of duty-free business as a source of revenue for the airport and its attractive positioning for international travelers. Gebr. Heinemann is a global leader in the travel retail market and brings its many years of expertise to this joint venture.
In addition, the FAR joint venture has secured exclusive brands for the new terminal. These include the internationally renowned fashion label Boss and Montblanc, known for its high-quality leather goods and writing instruments. A special highlight is the premiere of Gatezero at a German airport. This young, international, and lifestyle-inspired concept store is designed to immerse travelers in an inspiring world of the latest trends in luxury and street culture. The regularly changing product range will range from fashion and accessories to tech gadgets, offering a dynamic shopping experience that adapts to the times.
Fraport is also committed to continuing its long-standing collaboration with trusted partners in Terminal 3. Anke Giesen explained: "The offerings in our new terminal combine innovation with continuity." She emphasized the pride in welcoming brands back and expanding some long-standing partnerships. This demonstrates "how much the travel industry values Frankfurt Airport." This trusting collaboration and the joint development of new business ideas, even in challenging times, have paid off, as demonstrated by the renewed commitment of many well-known brands to the site.
One example is Capi Electronics, a long-standing concessionaire and market leader in airport retail, which will open two additional shops in Terminal 3. Christ is also expanding its presence with a store for high-quality jewelry and watches. Established brands such as Sunglass Hut, Tumi, and Longchamp are also enriching the retail mix with their product portfolios ranging from sunglasses to handbags and luggage to fashion accessories. Another notable comeback is Victoria's Secret, celebrating after a long hiatus with an exclusive selection of lingerie, fragrances, body care products, and accessories. The store is operated by Setur GmbH, a global player in the travel retail business, and presents the brand's new international concept with a modern interpretation of elegance.
Unique character: The “typically German” and “typically European” note
In addition to global brands and luxury offerings, Fraport attaches great importance to giving the shopping experience in Terminal 3 a unique and locally rooted character. Anke Giesen comments: "At the same time, we attach great importance to a unique shopping experience that reflects local culture. That's why we are also creating space for concepts that are traditionally rooted here." In this context, the new Terminal 3 will present modern interpretations of "typically German" and "typically European." The airport emphasizes its home in the heart of Hesse, Germany, and Europe. Brands such as Falke, represented at Frankfurt Airport for twelve years, are continuing their success story and offering a collection of socks and clothing that combine German traditions with high international standards of quality and aesthetics. Montblanc, as an "authentic European brand," also represents this combination of craftsmanship and global appeal.
The Wöllhaf Group's "Germany On My Mind" and "Germany's Selection" shops play a special role in this context. "Germany On My Mind" offers a selection of well-known German products and handicrafts from the categories of souvenirs, food, accessories, design, and lifestyle in a warm, bright, and inviting ambience. The range also includes high-quality, emotionally appealing products for children, intended as souvenirs for travelers or gifts for those back home. Wöllhaf also offers a similar range in a "Germany's Selection" shop in Pier J, which is also located in the transit area. These concepts are intended to give visitors the opportunity to take home a piece of German culture and craftsmanship and positively influence their travel experience.
Services and public areas: More than just shopping
Terminal 3 will not only offer a wide range of retail options, but also a variety of services. The Change Group, a new provider at Frankfurt Airport, will operate a total of five branches and twelve ATMs in Terminal 3. Under the Prosegur Change brand, the company offers, among other services, the exchange of over 50 currencies, international money transfers, an online travel money service, and tax refunds. Global Blue complements this offering with a tax refund service at two locations in the terminal, which is of great importance to international travelers.
A diverse range of offerings will also be created in the public area of Terminal 3, which is accessible to arriving and departing passengers and their companions. Two of the six convenience stores will belong to Lagardère's Relay chain, providing travelers with snacks, drinks, books, magazines, and travel items. Lagardère will also operate two food and beverage outlets in the arrivals hall, while two Avolta restaurants will be run in the departures hall. The cooperation between Fraport, Lagardère, and Avolta for the 22 food and beverage outlets in the new Terminal 3 was announced in January, underscoring the diversity of the culinary offerings.
For travelers who rely on rental cars, six car rental companies – Avis/Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and Wheego – will have counters in the arrivals hall of Terminal 3. Furthermore, REWE To Go, a self-service supermarket concept from Lekkerland, will introduce the same concept in Terminal 3 that is already successfully implemented in the arrivals hall of Terminal 1. This offers travelers the opportunity to quickly and easily stock up on groceries and travel supplies. Overall, the comprehensive concept for Terminal 3 demonstrates that Frankfurt Airport aims to be more than just a transit point, but a fully-fledged service center that meets all traveler needs and makes their stay as pleasant and efficient as possible. The opening of Terminal 3 in spring 2026 will thus mark an important chapter in the development of Frankfurt Airport.
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