YVR unveils immersive new airport shopping experience for music lovers
There’s a new reason to get to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) early, and it’s not just to clear security.
YVR just opened a new interactive experience, Cascadia Collection, a locally inspired store located near Gate B15 in the Domestic Terminal.
And yes, it includes North America’s first-ever airport listening room.
That means while you wait to board, you can settle into a cozy lounge, slip on a pair of Bose, Sony, Beats, or Apple headphones, and try them out with curated vinyl records or concert films.
Introducing Cascadia Collection, our newest retail concept! Blending travel convenience with locally inspired goods, explore North America’s first-ever airport listening room and more reflecting the best of our province. Stop by and say hi near Gate B15 in the Domestic terminal. pic.twitter.com/cT2tYDVdHW
— YVR (@yvrairport) July 30, 2025
“The Cascadia Collection’s listening room offers passengers the opportunity to test premium headphones in a cozy, immersive lounge setting,” a YVR spokesperson told Daily Hive.
“Whether enjoying vinyl records or concert films, the space delivers a unique and memorable audio experience.”
The space isn’t just about music, though; it’s also a showcase of B.C.-based makers and artists.
You’ll find everything from Gem Chocolates and artisanal snacks to Indigenous-designed pieces by Corrine Hunt, along with handmade beauty products, souvenirs, and gifts that reflect the province’s personality.
The entrance to Cascadia Collection, a locally inspired retail concept located between Gates B14 and B15 in YVR’s Domestic Terminal. (Supplied)
“From gifts and souvenirs to beauty products and snacks, we wanted to offer a distinctly local shopping experience,” added the YVR spokesperson.
The store was three years in the making and developed in partnership with WHSmith North America (the same folks behind Lee’s Donuts in Pier A and Vancouver Marketplace in the International Terminal).
Travellers try out premium headphones at YVR’s new Cascadia Collection store, home to North America’s first airport listening lounge. (Supplied)
“The Cascadia Collection opening combines WHSmith’s global retail expertise with YVR’s local perspective,” the spokesperson added.
“Together, we worked closely to develop a store that not only reflects British Columbia’s natural beauty through its warm interior and green accents, but also delivers something uniquely YVR.”
Duty-free just got a glow-up, too
While Cascadia Collection might be the flashiest new shop, it’s not the only retail refresh at the airport.
YVR also recently opened a fully revamped Vancouver Duty Free space in the International Terminal, and it’s massive.
The newly expanded Vancouver Duty Free inside YVR’s International Terminal now spans 30,000 square feet, with brands like Chanel and local B.C. tasting bars. (YVR/news.yvr.ca)
The new space spans 30,000 square feet across two walkthrough locations past security and mixes global luxury with local flair, including a full tasting bar with Empress Gin and Mission Hill wine.
Some of the brands are exclusive to YVR within Dufry-run stores, and there’s even a Haute Parfumerie for fragrance fans who want something a little more high-end.
“We have thoughtfully crafted a duty-free retail offering that emphasizes local Canadian products… alongside internationally recognized brands,” said Steve Johnson, president and CEO of North America at Avolta, which owns Dufry.
You can also shop ahead and save 20 per cent through the store’s “reserve and collect” program, or use the Club Avolta loyalty program to score deals on the go. To learn more, check out the Reserve & Collect website.
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