CHO Airport Blog

Saving The Market at CHO

Tuesday, January 20

Despite information already broadcast to the contrary, The Market at CHO has moved its entrance to the secure side of the building in an effort to survive.  The Market has suffered as any other business as the result of the economy. However, unlike other businesses, The Market has endured a double financial blow because of the continuing TSA ban on liquids through the screening point.  They suddenly lost the sale of soda, coffee, and Virginia wines, all staples in their cabinet of financial success.  In addition, the early morning departures, a third of the entire day, became a race to get through screening, with no stops for morning coffee and a newspaper for the trip.

The Market wasn’t the only grumbling that was heard.  Passengers become less keen on CHO once they find they have to return through screening to enter The Market if their flight is delayed and they want to browse magazines and the gift shop.  Of course, they have to bring all of their “stuff” back through screening as well, generally becoming too much trouble to undertake.   Finally, the message was delivered.  The monthly losses grew too much, and The Market’s last effort to remain in operation at CHO was to move the door to the secure side, allowing passengers to leisurely browse the magazines, the early morning crowd that last ten minutes they need to grab a coffee or toothbrush.

Support The Market at CHO!  The battle is on as they attempt to revive sales sufficient to renew their agreement with the Airport this summer.

P.S. The Market changed their opening time to 4:30 a.m. today and reported quite a crowd!