The Macallan opens flagship store at LAX
Edrington-owned The Macallan has launched its first flagship boutique on the US West Coast at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in collaboration with DFS.
The opening follows the launch of The Macallan’s boutique at London’s Heathrow Airport in May 2025.
Officially open now at LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal, the new 92-square-metre space is part of the brand’s global travel retail (GTR) expansion.
Kasper Andersen, regional managing director of GTR at Edrington, commented: “Bringing The Macallan to Los Angeles International Airport is an exciting step for us, marking our first West Coast boutique and an important new chapter for the brand in the Americas.
“LAX is a true crossroads for global travellers and this boutique lets us share the story of The Macallan’s heritage, craftsmanship and deep connection to nature in a truly immersive way.
“Whether someone is a long-standing enthusiast or discovering our whiskies for the first time, we look forward to welcoming everyone to experience the very best of The Macallan in this remarkable new space.”
The boutique was collaboratively designed with architect Jamie Fobert, bringing to life The Macallan’s newest retail concept – ‘Nurtured by Nature’, which tells the story of The Macallan Estate.
Daniel Licari, senior director of merchandising at DFS Group, said: “We are delighted to partner with The Macallan to introduce this extraordinary boutique at LAX, bringing an unmatched whisky experience to one of the world’s leading airports.
“The boutique’s immersive design, innovative storytelling, and exclusive range of ultra-prestige expressions reflect our ongoing commitment to offering travellers unique, memorable moments and access to the world’s finest brands.”
Denise Sample, director of concessions and tenant relations at Los Angeles World Airports, added: “The opening of The Macallan boutique adds a new dimension to the retail landscape at Tom Bradley International Terminal. As LAX continues to evolve as a premier global gateway, we are excited to welcome this renowned brand and its retail concept.
“The Macallan’s partnership with DFS further strengthens LAX’s reputation as a destination for luxury shopping and discovery.”
Features
The boutique’s design was inspired by the Six Pillars, which are the key elements that represent The Macallan’s craft and character. Features like oak wood and copper emphasise the importance of The Macallan’s signature oak casks and its small stills, both of which are described as essential to the whisky’s character.
The standout features include a wave wall that mirrors the design of The Macallan Distillery’s roof in Speyside, and an exclusive ‘Dancing Leaf’ installation by local artist Sarah Ippolito. Inspired by the lush foliage of The Macallan Estate, the sculpture is shaped like a leaf from the American oak tree.
A dedicated copper wall showcases the brand’s rare releases. Additionally, charred oak petal shelves and podiums reference the oak staves used in the whisky-making process.
The Albariza brick wall, crafted from the same white soil used to grow sherry grapes in Jerez de la Frontera, underscores the importance of Sherry cask maturation in The Macallan’s whisky-making process. The space will feature botanical-inspired visual merchandising and olfactory displays, as well as collaborations with local artists.
The boutique atmosphere is enhanced by an ambient soundscape, featuring an original score created by Mimi Xu Studio, which uses field recordings from The Macallan Estate in Scotland.
Knowledgeable boutique hosts are also available throughout the space to guide shoppers through the brand’s portfolio, ensuring a personalised experience for every guest.
Earlier this month, Edrington announced its distribution partnership expansion plans in California with Southern Glazer’s.
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