ELECTRONICS retailer Maplin has chosen Glasgow to launch its first ever airport store and promises a new experience for its customers.

The national chain is spending £100,000 on a 1000 sq ft outlet which will open next month in the busy departure lounge which handles millions of passengers every year.

The store will be trialled for a year to allow bosses to test a new retail model which will include three interactive internet hubs to enable customers to browse Maplin's full range of goods.

The model will also allow shoppers to spend time at a play table featuring "fun products" such as Maplin's Rapsberry Pi as well as a 3D printer.

Another feature will be a click-and-collect service to enable travellers to pick up orders when they jet back into Glasgow or have them delivered to their homes. A team of 13 staff will be drawn from other existing stores and will be in place for the opening on

The chain's chief executive John Cleland said: "With around 7.4million passengers each year passing through Glasgow Airport, this is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the Maplin brand.

"Customers can spend some time browsing in the store while they wait for their flight, enjoying some of the new interactive features the store offers.

Our Maplineers - our in-store experts - will be happy to help customers with any questions they might have and if they don't want to take their purchase on their travels with them we can deliver it to their homes once they return."

The Rotherham-based business was launched in 1972 and now there are more than 200 Maplin stores across the UK and Ireland including 14 in Scotland. It has a workforce of over 2,400 and annual sales in excess of £213.5m.

Francois Bourienne, commercial director at Glasgow Airport said:  “We are delighted Maplin has chosen Glasgow Airport to launch its first ever airport store. The new unit, which I’m sure will be extremely popular with both passengers and staff alike, will be a welcome addition to our growing retail portfolio.”

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk