Albany International Airport Opens Newest Shopping Option, The Essentials @ ALB
New store inside Albany International Airport terminal provides travelers with everyday essentials, snacks, beverages and convenient self-checkout kiosks
ALBANY, NY (July 24, 2026) – Albany International Airport (ALB) has opened its newest shopping option, The Essentials @ ALB, providing travelers with a convenient new place to purchase items for their journeys.
Located past security in the center of the Main Terminal, the store occupies the former Tech Valley Connect location.
The Essentials @ ALB is operated by Paradies Lagardère, a leading travel retailer and restaurateur operating concessions in airports across North America. The store features a broad assortment of snacks, beverages, travel accessories, electronics, and personal care products, offering a modern shopping option within the terminal.
The Essentials @ ALB also features self-checkout kiosks designed to provide travelers with a faster and more convenient shopping experience. An employee remains available inside the store to assist customers and provide personal service when needed.
“The Essentials @ ALB gives our travelers another convenient and welcoming option to pick up the items they need before their flights,” said Albany County Airport Authority CEO Peter Stuto. “The new store combines modern technology with personal customer service and reflects our broader commitment to improving every part of the passenger experience at Albany International Airport.”
"We're proud to continue our partnership with Albany International Airport through the opening of The Essentials @ ALB," said Dorrie Paradies, Director of Business Development for Paradies Lagardère. "With a curated assortment of travel essentials, snacks, beverages and convenience items, this innovative new store offers travelers a quick and easy stop to find what they need before their journey."
The Essentials @ ALB is located next to The Capital Marketplace, which is also operated by Paradies Lagardère. The Capital Marketplace will permanently close in the near future to make space for an additional lane at ALB’s Transportation Security Administration checkpoint.
The new lane will bring the checkpoint’s total capacity to seven screening lanes and is part of Albany International Airport’s ongoing $100 million Main Terminal Expansion project. The expanded checkpoint is one component of the project’s broader effort to improve the ease, comfort and efficiency of the security screening process.
“The opening of The Essentials @ ALB, along with the continued progress on our Main Terminal Expansion, reflects the tremendous growth and investment taking place throughout Albany International Airport,” said Albany County Airport Authority Board Chair Sam Fresina. “These improvements are helping us build a more modern, efficient and welcoming airport that is prepared to serve our travelers and our region for years to come.”
Paradies Lagardère operates all retail concessions at Albany International Airport, including On The Fly @ ALB in Concourse A and the NewsChannel 13 Shop in Concourse B. Both stores are scheduled to undergo renovations, with work expected to be completed this fall.
Members of the news media interested in arranging interviews or capturing photos or video of The Essentials @ ALB should contact Albany International Airport Director of Communications Matt Hunter.
Media Contacts
Matt Hunter
Director of Communications
Albany International Airport
(518) 242-2230
mhunter@albanyairport.com
Mike Pietryka
Sr. Director of Marketing and Communications
Paradies Lagardère
(404) 388-5819