The DFW Employee Store (in Terminal C) Will Soon Be Shutting Down
Taking a slight diversion from lounges to embrace my AVGeek (Aviation Geek) lifestyle and pay tribute to the awesome DFW Employee Store at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Sadly, back in March it was reported that the shop will be closing as part of the Terminal C airport construction, and now the news has been made official. But if you hurry, you still have time to visit before it closes towards the end of May.
What is the DFW Employee Store?
The DFW Employee Store is an awesome aviation-themed store where visitors can buy all sorts of aviation items, including shirts, baby clothes, luggage, bags, coasters, coffee mugs, model airplanes, luggage tags, and other airline-related souvenirs. The catalog of aviation memorabilia is very impressive, featuring current airlines as well as those from the past. The store has been in business for over 14+ years (likely opening sometime back in 2012) and is open to anyone with airside access, including non-airline employees, such as myself. The store is located in Terminal C, near Gate C2, and is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00 (6pm).
Why and when is it closing?
Back in March 2026, Steve Cosgrove, the owner of the DFW Employee Store, posted a video on how (due to construction in Terminal C) the DFW Employee Store would be closing, and recently, on May 1, 2026, it was reconfirmed in a Facebook post.
Our last day will be the Tuesday after Memorial Day, towards the end of May. We have to be out of here by the end of May, because, as things stand right now, June 1st, everything from C2 to C12 goes under construction.said Steve Cosgrove.
Since Terminal C will be renovated and expanded, the store must close to allow room for construction. So visitors have from now until May 26, 2026 (Tuesday), to plan a visit to the store.
My Store Experience
I took some time to visit the store on my last trip to Dallas (DFW) in April 2026, knowing it would likely be my last visit to the store. When I was there, most of the people were from airline flight crews; there were 5 people visiting, and 4 of them were crew members (one pilot and three cabin crew). The store is arranged in two connected rooms; the first area has everything from coasters to Travelpro bags, as well as the checkout counter. The back of the store is full of apparel, with shirts and more. I spent about 30 minutes going through all the cool stuff and controlling my urge to buy one of everything. I got some retro coasters from Delta, Continental, and Air Canada. The cashier was very nice and made sure to add my email address to their system so I will be updated on any future openings and news. In my opinion, this is the best airline store I have ever visited, and I know it will be missed by many.
What's Next?
As of now, there is not a plan for reopening, and the DFW airport does not seem to have a spot for them. The Facebook post shows just how humble the owner is with the comment, “We don't need prime retail space; we can operate under an escalator or in a hallway behind a door. The employees will find us.”
I really think it simply comes down to the cost of retail space at DFW. To me the airport is so massive I find it hard to believe there is not a spot for them to reopen for free or with an affordable rent.
The store has had an online store for a while where you can shop, and they even offer local pickup if you are in the DFW area. But not having the store in the airport will be a real loss for employees, travelers, kids, and anyone interested in aviation.
What's Going on at DFW?
DFW is in the middle of a massive $9 billion multi-year rebuild and expansion. These renovations are part of a plan with an anticipated growth of over 100 million annual passengers. Terminal F will become the 6th and first new terminal to be built at DFW in over 20 years (planned initial opening in 2027). Terminal C will be getting rebuilt and expanded with 9 new gates and a complete remodel of the terminal. There will be many other upgrades to the roadway and Terminal A to improve the overall customer experience.
The video below shows the modernization of the airport and the phases the airport will go through until completed.
Closing Thoughts
While it is sad this is closing, it is good they will still have an online store for those looking for AVGeek items. I really do hope in the future the airport and store find a new home inside the terminals. If you are flying through DFW between now and the closing, I recommend you pop in for a visit.