The world’s first-ever Lonely Planet concept store is set to open in early July as part of Sydney Airport’s $500 million International Terminal redevelopment.

Published: 29 Jun 2009

The world’s first-ever Lonely Planet concept store is set to open in early July as part of Sydney Airport’s $500 million International Terminal redevelopment.

Lonely Planet and Lagardère Services Asia Pacific have joined forces to create the concept, which will sell the full range of Lonely Planet’s digital products and travel guides.

“Airports are strange places,” said Howard Ralley, Lonely Planet’s sales & marketing director.

“You’re half-excited and half-bored. Everyone waiting for a flight wants to be inspired or have their attention diverted, so we figured where better to open the world’s first Lonely Planet store showcasing all that we do, from digital services to guidebook content. As well as over 500 books, videos and quality travel gear, there’ll be i-touch screens to deliver expert information from our authors, plus the ability to print your own custom guidebook from our Pick & Mix chapters.”

The store has been designed by Studio Red, a Sydney-based design studio specialising in retail interior design. One of their key inspirations was Lonely Planet’s iconic array of guidebooks. The designers have created a graphic montage of book covers which appear to spring from the wall. Products are framed in a 3D-designed bookcase which is offset by intersecting suspended ceiling fins to suggest movement and travel.

The store’s interior design is also distinguished by a supergraphic world map, displaying Lonely Planet images from around the world.