USC trustee wants to bring retail to L.A. airports


USC Trustee Rick Caruso, the developer of the Grove and the Americana at Brand, is undertaking his next major project — transforming shopping and dining opportunities for travelers.

Caruso plans to start his search for retail and restaurant development at U.S. airports in Los Angeles, he told the Los Angeles Times on Monday.

“Airports and cities across the country realize that they can’t simply take the customer for granted any longer and need to create a more inviting shopping and dining experience for the traveler,” Caruso told the Times.

His company, Caruso Affiliated, is known for developing hot spots in Los Angeles and other large shopping centers.

Caruso wants to take his inviting style and quality developments to improve airports and the overall traveling experience.

“With travelers spending more time in terminals, airport authorities realize the financial value of offering something special, because people are willing to spend more if you provide style, quality and service,” he said.