Shells & Spurs opens hat-bar shop at Tampa's Airside C
The Nashville-born retailer's second airport location offers custom cowboy hats and Florida-themed gifts just past the TSA checkpoint.
What travelers need to know
- What happened: Tampa International Airport said a new retail store, Shells & Spurs, has opened in Airside C.
- Who's affected: Travelers passing through Airside C, particularly those looking for souvenirs, gifts or custom hats.
- Where: Located between Spanx and the News Channel 8 store, near the Airside C security checkpoint exit at Tampa International Airport (TPA).
- When: Reported open as of .
- What to do: Visit daily between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. for a custom hat-bar souvenir or Tampa-themed gift.
Tampa International Airport has a new concession in Airside C: Shells & Spurs, a retailer built around customizable cowboy hats and Florida souvenirs, according to the airport. The store sits between Spanx and the News Channel 8 shop, positioned near the spot where passengers clear the TSA checkpoint, the airport said.
The shop's centerpiece is a hat bar where shoppers choose a cowboy hat style, pick two bands and add finishing touches, walking away within minutes with a personalized item, according to the airport's announcement. Beyond headwear, the store carries Tampa- and Florida-branded gifts and a children's section stocked with items like flamingo hoodies and tutus.
Advertisement
Nashville owner's second airport venture
Shells & Spurs is the second airport store for owner Amy Billings, who opened her first location at Nashville International Airport (BNA) in 2023, the airport said. Billings is a Tennessee native who grew up immersed in the music industry; her husband has long played bass for The Monkees. After establishing the Nashville shop, the couple reportedly found they enjoyed running a retail business inside an airport environment, which led to the Tampa expansion.
Billings said she wants every visit to leave customers in a better mood than when they walked in. "My goal is for everyone to leave this store happier than when they came in," she said. She also makes a point of sourcing merchandise from women-owned and family-owned businesses, the airport said.
Paradies Lagardère operates the location
The Tampa store is run by concessions operator Paradies Lagardère, according to the airport. TPA Director of Concessions Stacey Nance welcomed the addition, saying, "We're excited to welcome Shells & Spurs to America's Favorite Airport. Amy's shop brings a fun, one-of-a-kind experience that our travelers are going to love."
Shells & Spurs is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., giving travelers moving through Airside C a window to stop for a quick, personalized souvenir before a flight. The airport did not announce additional retail openings alongside this one.
Advertisement
Plan this trip
Here's what it costs.