METRO AIRPORT (WXYZ) — Detroit Metro Airport is making headlines with a new initiative aimed at supporting local businesses, and it's just in time as the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear.
The SOAR program stands for Small Business Operators Arriving Ready and it's designed to give small businesses the opportunity to showcase their products to travelers.
"To be able and see different sales come from different parts of the country we certainly attribute that to the airport traffic," Amy Peterson, the owner of Rebel Nell, said.
"This gives us greater credibility of what we can do in showcasing our products," David Ogloza, the owner of Quix Chocolates, added.
A special ribbon cutting took place inside the Evans Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport on Thursday celebrating the program.
"It's wonderful it's great to have people come to and from Detroit and be able to get a quick taste of what is going on locally," David Brookes, a traveler, said.
It allows small local businesses the ability to appeal to a broader audience from all over the world.
"I think it's great. I think we need more small businesses inside airports," Jacqueline Pisker, who was traveling from San Diego, said.
Detroit Metro Airport sees over 31 million travelers every year and is one of the world's busiest airports.
Peterson and Ogloza were selected to have their local businesses launch inside the terminal through SOAR after applying.
"We've always dreamed of having a store in the airport," she said.
Peterson started Rebel Nell with a goal of helping and empowering women who were transitioning out of shelters. Their jewelry is made from graffiti around metro Detroit and Michigan, allowing people to bring home a piece of Detroit with them wherever they go.
"This is such a great place to highlight the city you can actually own a piece of the city when you buy something from Rebel Nell," she said.
These business owners say they're excited about the opportunity, saying this type of exposure is leading to increased sales and greater visibility for their brands.
Ogloza said they sell 40 different types of specialty Belgian chocolates using original recipes, giving travelers the opportunity to indulge in fine Belgian chocolates made in Ferndale.
"Both our online and our foot traffic at our location in Ferndale has picked up because of this huge opportunity that we have here," he said. "The one extra element that it gives up that we otherwise couldn't achieve is it gives us greater credibility."
