Travelers passing through San Diego International Airport’s new Terminal 1 can now take home a piece of the city’s culture with the opening of Liberty Station Gifts, a 1,128-square-foot shop featuring locally made goods from more than 20 small businesses.
The store officially opened Sept. 23, offering hand-selected gifts, gourmet treats, and artisan products that highlight San Diego’s creative community.
Inspired by Liberty Public Market, which houses more than 30 local restaurants and makers, Liberty Station Gifts brings the property’s community-driven spirit to a global audience. The shop showcases a curated collection of San Diego-made goods, giving travelers both a meaningful keepsake and direct support for the small businesses and artists that define the city’s culture.
“Our goal with the new Terminal 1 retail program is to create spaces that reflect the heart of the city, and Liberty Station Gifts is the perfect example—blending local history with an assortment of goods that travelers can enjoy and take home,” said Huw Crwys-Williams, CEO of WHSmith North America. “We are proud to partner with Liberty Station and our ACDBE partners Casa Unlimited Enterprises, APW Brands, and Procurement Concepts Inc., to bring this new concept to life at San Diego International Airport.”
The store also highlights the site’s naval heritage. Historic black-and-white photography from NTC days lines the walls. At the same time, videos of alumni play throughout the space—turning a souvenir stop into a deeper experience that connects visitors to San Diego’s history.
“Liberty Station is a place where history and community unite. From our roots as the NTC to today’s thriving hub of dining, arts, and culture, Liberty Station continues to be a gathering place for San Diego,” said Laurie Albrecht, director of Liberty Station Community Association. “Liberty Station Gifts is special because it extends that community-anchored experience to travelers. With this new specialty shop, we can bring a little piece of San Diego’s heart and history directly to visitors during their travel journey.”
Liberty Station Gifts is one of five specialty and convenience retail stores debuting in the first phase of the $3.8 billion Terminal 1 project, designed to celebrate San Diego’s local culture while providing travelers with more choice and convenience, according to a news release.
