Paradies Lagardère Toronto Pearson operations will expand significantly over the next several years following a new seven-year contract extension at Canada’s largest and busiest airport. The renewal, awarded by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, ensures that one of North America’s dominant travel retailers will remain deeply embedded in the commercial fabric of Toronto Pearson International Airport while introducing a wave of updated and reimagined stores designed to reflect the character of the city.
The Atlanta-based company, which serves millions of travelers across Canada and the United States, will continue running dozens of shops as part of the updated program. The extension reinforces an already long partnership between Paradies Lagardère and Toronto Pearson, which the company regards as one of the most important locations in its North American network.
“We value and appreciate our strong partnership with Toronto Pearson and are thrilled at the opportunity to continue that relationship through this extension,” said Gregg Paradies, chief executive officer of Paradies Lagardère. He noted that many of the forthcoming concepts were developed to deepen the company’s connection to Toronto’s communities through locally inspired design and products.
Deborah Flint, president and chief executive officer of Toronto Pearson, said retail remains central to how the airport shapes the traveler journey. “Experiences at airports are shaped by the vitality of the retail offerings,” she said. “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Paradies Lagardère to provide travelers with shopping options that range from gourmet gifts, exclusive products and Canadian souvenirs, as well as the ‘got it’ relief for that important item in travel essentials.”
New Stores That Reflect a Growing City
Under the renewed agreement, the Paradies Lagardère Toronto Pearson portfolio will include 42 locations across the terminals. Twenty-one stores will be rebranded or significantly enhanced, and seven new retail concepts will be introduced. The changes amount to one of the most extensive refreshes of Pearson’s commercial landscape in recent years and are intended to align with the airport’s long-term investment plans, which include expanding terminals and accommodating rising passenger volumes.
A core feature of the new program is the emphasis on Canadian makers and Toronto culture. Shops @ The Six, Muskoka Supply Co. and Greetings from Toronto will spotlight gourmet foods, gifts and artisan products sourced from more than 30 makers, among them Totally Toronto Art, Mitchell’s Soup Co., Drip Candle Studio and The Doodle Diary. Airport officials believe the stores will help create a sense of place for travelers passing through an international gateway that often serves as their first point of contact with the country.
Other concepts lean into Toronto’s identity as a design-driven and outdoor-oriented city. Hip & Humble, a women-owned boutique, will appear in a Canadian airport for the first time. Sky to Trail will carry brands such as Herschel Supply Co., KÜHL, Cotopaxi, Yeti and Tentree, catering to travelers preparing for excursions or seeking functional lifestyle products.
Longstanding favourites will remain, including The Scoreboard, a shop focused on merchandise from Toronto sports teams, and RELAY, a globally recognized travel-essentials label. iStore Express will continue offering technology accessories for passengers who may need last-minute devices or power solutions before boarding.
A Key Player in Global Travel Retail
The investment at Toronto Pearson aligns with Paradies Lagardère’s status as a major force in travel retail. The company operates more than 700 retail stores, restaurants and bars in over 90 airports across North America. It is the regional division of Lagardère Travel Retail, which manages more than 5,000 points of sale in over 50 countries worldwide and generated 7.6 billion euros in sales in 2024 on a managed basis.
Founded in 1960 by brothers Jim and Dan Paradies as The Paradies Shops, the company grew into one of the most decorated airport retailers in North America, routinely winning industry awards related to traveler satisfaction, merchandising and customer service. It became Paradies Lagardère in 2015 following its acquisition by Lagardère Travel Retail in a deal valued at about $530 million USD.
Today the company employs roughly 10,000 associates and continues to expand. Its presence in Canada includes operations in 12 airports, making the Paradies Lagardère Toronto Pearson partnership one of its most strategically significant contracts.
The Changing Landscape at Toronto Pearson
The renewed agreement arrives at a moment of growth and reinvestment for Toronto Pearson International Airport. The airport processed about 46.8 million passengers in 2024 and roughly 35.8 million in the first nine months of 2025, maintaining its position as the busiest airport in Canada and one of the most important hubs in North America. It supports a network of more than 50 airlines flying to over 180 destinations and serves as a main global hub for Air Canada while supporting operations for WestJet, Porter Airlines, Air Transat and numerous international carriers.
Pearson’s commercial transformation is part of the GTAA’s broader LIFT program, which focuses on long-term terminal improvements and increased capacity for security, U.S. preclearance and retail. Airport executives view retail as essential to both financial sustainability and the overall traveler experience. As passenger expectations increase and dwell times rise, airports across the world have sought to elevate their retail mix to resemble urban high streets rather than traditional travel corridors.
Paradies Lagardère Toronto Pearson updates are central to that shift. The forthcoming stores are designed to be visually distinct, flexible and relevant to a wide cross-section of travelers, whether they are purchasing essentials, looking for gifts or browsing specialty items before a departure.
