Fortnum & Mason is expanding its presence at London Heathrow Airport with the opening of a new retail store in Terminal 2 and a bar in Terminal 3, scheduled to launch at the beginning of next month. This move follows strong consumer demand for the luxury retailer’s tea, biscuits, and hampers among travellers.
The historic British retailer, known as the nation’s oldest department store, already operates a store and bar in Terminal 5. The bar in Terminal 5 was recently extended, responding to increased customer interest. Tom Athron, Fortnum & Mason’s chief executive, highlighted the company’s longstanding association with travel, noting that the brand first catered to travellers departing from London as far back as the 18th century. He described the new openings as a significant step in the company’s growth strategy, aimed at reaching millions of both international and domestic passengers passing through Heathrow each year.
Fortnum & Mason was established in 1707 by William Fortnum, a footman to Queen Anne, who partnered with his landlord Hugh Mason to launch the grocery business. The retailer has been owned since 1951 by Wittington Investments, an investment vehicle of the Weston family, which ranks among the UK’s wealthiest according to recent financial assessments. The family’s portfolio includes other notable businesses such as Heal’s, a high-end furniture chain, and a controlling interest in Associated British Foods, the parent company of Primark.
Despite what the company has described as challenging consumer conditions in the UK and internationally, Fortnum & Mason reported a 5 percent increase in turnover to £239 million for the fiscal year ending July 2025. Pre-tax profits rose by 6 percent to £15 million, overcoming one-off expenses related to the opening of a new distribution centre in 2024. The retailer cited steady year-round growth across all channels as a contributor to its positive performance.
The new Terminal 2 store will feature a selection of Fortnum & Mason’s most popular products, including its signature teas, biscuits, confectionery, and gift hampers. It will also provide services for product personalisation and in-store ordering to enhance the shopping experience.
Fraser Brown, retail director at Heathrow Airport, welcomed the expansion, emphasizing Fortnum & Mason’s status as an iconic British brand recognized worldwide for exceptional food and gift offerings. He said the new outlets would not only improve the experience for millions of passengers each year but also serve to showcase some of the best of British retail and gastronomy to global travellers passing through the airport.