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The theme for our upcoming Lift Off event is Retail Logistics and ‘Digital Retail Innovation’.
13th January 2026
The theme for our upcoming Lift Off event is Retail Logistics and ‘Digital Retail Innovation’.
This time, we’re partnering with our Retail Team to deliver an exciting opportunity that goes beyond sourcing suppliers – we’re also inviting retailers to join us in shaping the future of Heathrow’s retail experience.
At Heathrow, everything starts with the passenger. Our goal is to make every journey feel effortless and enjoyable, and we believe the future of retail is about blending smart technology with human care. By using automation to handle the heavy lifting and reduce unnecessary steps, we free up time and energy to focus on what matters most: creating a seamless, personalised experience for every traveller. We want shopping at Heathrow to feel simple, engaging, efficient, and tailored to individual needs.
We’re excited about big ideas that can transform the passenger experience. Whether it’s reimagining the logistics of how products reach customers, the products themselves or even introducing new ways to make shopping more intuitive and fun, we’re open to bold, creative solutions, if they keep the passenger at the heart of everything. This is your chance to help us shape a retail future that’s smarter, more connected, and full of possibilities for travellers around the world.
For this event, we are looking for innovative logistics solutions to support Heathrow’s Consolidation Centre and new retail partners to join our Reserve & Collect platform, offering passengers a seamless shopping experience. More details are outlined below:
- Retail Logistics
Heathrow’s Consolidation Centre (HCC) plays a critical role in supporting airport operations, handling around 400,000 pallets and cages annually. To meet growing demand and operational challenges, we are seeking innovative solutions in the following areas:
- Chilled Pallet Processing
Currently, chilled pallets are broken down manually and repacked into temperature-controlled units. We are looking for: Media or equipment capable of receiving standard UK, Chep, or Euro pallets and maintaining chilled temperatures (0–8°C) for a minimum of 6 hours.
- High-Level Automated Storage
The HCC is at capacity during peak periods, with storage sometimes required for up to 18 hours. While floor space is limited, there is significant unused space at high level. We are looking for: Smart, automated, high-level pallet storage solutions to optimise capacity without expanding the footprint.
- Real-Time Update Platform
Heathrow’s large-scale operations mean multiple projects run simultaneously across the airport; road closures, lift shutdowns, construction, security upgrades, and more often impacting third-party stakeholders. We are looking for: Software solutions that provide a single platform for stakeholders to access real-time updates, input data, and raise queries about works across all departments, improving visibility and collaboration.
- The Next-Big-Thing
We’re also keen to explore what’s emerging in the market that could help Heathrow’s Consolidation Centre become more efficient, safer, and sustainable. This could include new materials, smarter handling equipment, energy-efficient solutions, or technologies that reduce manual processes and improve visibility across operations.
- Become a Heathrow Retailer through Heathrow Reserve and Collect
Reserve & Collect is a Heathrow operated eCommerce marketplace that enables Retailers to sell directly to customers through a seamless preorder and collection experience. Built around convenience, trust, and scale, the platform connects customers to a curated selection of products with reliable fulfilment at Heathrow. Our goal is to showcase the best of British retail and grow the British economy while offering customers flexibility and choice through a digitally connected platform. Click here to see more: Heathrow Online Airport Shopping | Heathrow Reserve & Collect
We are now inviting Digital Retailers to join the marketplace and help us elevate the customer experience with distinctive ranges, compelling stories, and gifting excellence designed for a travel environment. Digital Retailers would be presented as a subset of the Reserve and Collect website, that we call Shop Beyond Heathrow.
Heathrow’s Shop Beyond Heathrow is an innovative digital shopping concept designed to give travellers the convenience of purchasing products online before collecting them at the airport; but is not limited to stores which operate a physical location.
We are inviting Digital Retailers to join this marketplace and become part of Heathrow’s vision for a connected, customer-centric retail experience. In particular, we are looking for innovative products that are sustainable and/or enhance passenger comfort and/or convenience and/or reflect the best of British heritage and quality. This includes items that promote well-being during travel, offer unique gifting options, or showcase cutting-edge design and craftsmanship.
To deliver a fast, reliable customer experience, we’re prioritising two fulfilment models for Digital Retailers:
- Direct to Heathrow Delivery
You ship orders directly to Heathrow, aligning to our intake and cut off windows. Heathrow teams then complete last mile handover to customers.
- Heathrow Held Stock (Pick and Pack by Heathrow)
You place stock in a Heathrow stock room, enabling our teams to pick-and-pack immediately upon order, maximising speed and certainty for the customer.
Both models are designed to keep the end-to-end experience simple, fast, and dependable so customers can order with confidence and collect with ease.
We’re looking for digitally savvy retailers who can work confidently on a standardised platform with fixed system requirements. You should be ready to onboard quickly, upload accurate product data, and meet clear service and fulfilment standards. The best partners will bring unique product ranges, strong digital skills, and the ability to operate smoothly within our set processes.
This is an opportunity for local businesses to reach millions of international travellers and collaborate on marketing campaigns that celebrate British heritage and innovation. Joining Reserve & Collect positions your brand at the heart of a unique travel journey, combining the reach of Heathrow with the flexibility of modern digital retail. You’ll benefit from a simple, standardised way to sell directly to customers, with Heathrow handling the final handover to ensure a premium, on time experience.
Application and Deadline:
The deadline for submissions is Thursday 29th January 2026
The Q1 2026 Lift Off opportunity can be accessed via our CompeteFor microsite: Opportunities – Heathrow
If you’re a retailer interested in joining Heathrow Reserve & Collect but do not have a CompeteFor profile, you can still take part. Please share your details by completing the MS Form here: Heathrow Lift Off Q1 2026: Retail – Expression of Interest Form – Fill in form
Heathrow will treat all information provided by potential suppliers in confidence. Heathrow intends to use the responses to this market sounding, and any subsequent discussions with industry to inform its procurement
If you have any questions or encounter any difficulties with the application or Microsoft Form, please contact sme-engagement@heathrow.com
