MSP became one of the first airports in the nation to introduce name-brand franchises, like TGI Friday's and Brookstone. The airport also features shops with a distinct Minnesota-flavor like French Meadow Bakery, Ike's Food and Cocktails, and a Mall of America/Sports Minnesota store. MSP also features the first airport Dairy Queen Grill and Chill.

Those are among the 106 restaurants and stores that make up the Shops at MSP, which have repeatedly won awards for design, management, innovative services and other features. In March 2007, Airport Revenue News again named MSP as the large Airport with the Best Concession Design.

In the autumn of 2005, the airport began opening the first shops of the north terminal expansion, a 37,000-square-foot food and retail addition in the Lindbergh Terminal. With the opening of Ike's Restaurant in February 2007, the expasion is complete and features three new sit-down, full-service restaurants.

Minnesota doesn't tax most clothing, so the airport is a great place for out-of-state travelers to purchase apparel.