CMT PARTNERS WITH HUDSON GROUP FOR GRAND OPENING OF “CMT LOOT” AT NASHVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
02/13/08
NASHVILLE – February 13, 2008 – CMT has partnered with award-winning travel retailer Hudson Group for the network’s first ever retail store, CMT Loot, at Nashville International Airport (BNA), it was announced today by Brian Philips, executive vice president and general manager, CMT, and Joseph DiDomizio, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Hudson Group. The distinctly Nashville store located in Concourse C will showcase the network’s genuine love for all things “country” with a line of authentic CMT apparel, CDs, DVDs and other memorabilia to the thousands of travelers passing through the airport daily.
“With the aid of Hudson Group, an experienced travel retailer, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority has really done an outstanding job of creating a vibrant airport that reflects Nashville’s essence as a travel destination,” said Philips. “We’re proud to be part of the airport’s new retail community, and believe CMT Loot is a perfect extension of our brand. Although the channel reaches more than 87 million homes, Nashville is our hometown. We hope the store adds some fun to travelers’ Nashville experience!”
“CMT is THE cable television channel for country fans, with the latest country-music oriented shows, videos and concerts,” noted Joseph DiDomizio, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Hudson Group. “Our merchandising and design teams have envisioned the store as a celebration of the culture and music that make Nashville great. We have implemented the latest retailing tools and techniques to reach customers, including personal listening stations and giant plasma screens, in an authentic setting complete with stage outfits from the great designer Manuel. The airport has done a great job envisioning its refurbished retail program, and CMT Loot is an early evidence of what is to come. Our goal is to create for departing travelers a shopping experience that they will remember, one that recalls all the great cultural elements that Nashville is famous for.”
CMT Loot will feature a wide array of signature pieces that carry the CMT Loot label, with designs inspired by CMT, Nashville and the Heartland. Reflecting the network’s bold sense of humor, the unique lines of apparel, memorabilia and postcards celebrate music, small town life, Southern vernacular and everything in-between. Greeting customers as they enter the store, a 103-inch HD television will display the latest CMT music and original programming.
Visit CMT's press-only Web site www.cmtpress.com for more information and downloadable photos on all of CMT's programming.
CMT, a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and Heartland entertainment, reaching more than 87 million homes in the U.S. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand. The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 150 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN/THE N, VH1 CLASSIC, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 300 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
Hudson Group is the leading travel retailer in North America, a privately held corporation that operates more than 500 newsstands, bookstores, cafes and premier specialty retail shops in 69 airports and transportation terminals throughout North America. The company’s flagship concept, Hudson News, is North America’s only national newsstand brand. Under the familiar blue sign can be found the most complete selection of magazines in the aviation industry, along with newspapers and a wide variety of travelers’ necessities, snacks and bottled soft drinks. Hudson Group specialty retail shops include proprietary brands, such as Hudson Booksellers, Kids Works and Euro Café along with dozens of regional concepts, such as CMT Loot. National brands partnering with Hudson Group include CNN, Life is good, Crabtree & Evelyn, Godiva Chocolatier, Sunglass Hut, Roots, Papyrus, Radio Shack, House of Blues and Quiznos. Visit the Hudson Group website, www.hudsongroup.com.
# # #
PRESS CONTACT:
Amanda Murphy 615-335-8408 amanda.murphy@cmt.com
