I really have no idea how well the recent trend of media companies creating themed stores will work out, but plan on seeing them all over airports when you're traveling this fall. Sports Illustrated is even getting into the game with and will have a store in the new 3,000 foot long, North Terminal project at Detroit's Metro Airport. Via Sports Business Journal's Terry Leffon....

The 831-square-foot shop "will sell a variety of licensed merchandise bearing logos of local Michigan pro and college teams, as well as SI-branded publishing-oriented licensed goods, such as calendars, books and posters." The store is being launched "under a multiyear commitment with Delaware North Cos. and could serve as the prototype for similar locations, as new airport terminals open in [L.A.] and other markets during the next year." SI CMO Andrew Judelson said, "We invest the brand, they invest the capital." SI also gets "royalties on store sales." Judelson: "We've been approached to do SI restaurants, but that didn't fit our DNA. This seemed more appropriate"

Different companies like CNBC, USA Today, CNN and the New York Times are looking for spots at various airports as well, but it looks like the Detroit Metropolitan Airport is the furthest along. In addition to the SI store, the new terminal will feature a Brookstone, Books-A-Million, Caribou Coffee, as well as a USA Today shop.

It certainly seems like a bold move for both the airport, and media companies like SI, considering the current economic climate and how little people are traveling these days, but it might be worth a shot. I've got random Sports t-shirts that I've picked up at various airports and truckstops throughout the years, and I'd certainly stop by if I was in Detroit.

SI Prepares To Launch First Retail Store In Detroit Airport (Sports Business Journal - $)
New Detroit airport terminal gleams amid industry gloom (M Live)