There are two local Runway 31Ls: the runway you can travel down while flying out of DFW Airport and the travel store you will fly over while on the plane.
Runway 31L, which opened in Southlake next door to Dynamic Travel and Cruises, is a travel store that carries several brands of luggage, travel accessories, bag and key tags and other items related to travel. In addition to their regular stock, Runway 31L also carries 80 different plastic airplane models and over 25 large executive airplane models with the original industry logos painted on them.
But this store isn’t just for the adults traveling. They have several products for adolescent travelers as well including travel puzzles, toys, airplanes and airport playsets that can keep the kids busy while waiting for their flight.
Director of marketing Jeff Baker sees that playful aspect as a unique feature to their store.
“We tell people we have things for kids age 3 to 100,” Baker chuckles. “I’m a big kid at heart. I’ve always been fascinated by aviation in general, so when this role became available, I jumped at the chance.”
Baker says being located to another travel company right next door also has its benefits. Since Runway 31L’s owner oversees both companies, Baker says they complement each other in all the right ways. He says they even have an entryway that connects the two businesses together.
“If they book a cruise or tour with them, they can walk right over and pick up some travel accessories with us if they want,” Baker states. “To me, they’re connected even though they’re separate businesses. It’s a great setup. You can get everything you need in one building.”
Runway 31L is holding its official grand opening this weekend at the store. From 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, visitors will have the chance to explore the store for themselves and maybe get a few travel ideas for their next destination. The emporium will also have free giveaways for prizes including a four-night cruise on the Royal Caribbean and exclusive luggage from the Briggs and Riley company.
But more than simply checking out their store, Baker hopes Runway 31L helps people to become more prepared with their travel needs, pick up a suitcase and feel inspired to take a trip a little bit more.
“We try to be the one-stop-shop for all your travel needs,” Baker says. “There’s not really a store like us that’s around.”
Runway 31L is located at 2325 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 150. Call the store at 817.722.5057, or visit their website at Runway31L.com.