Airport retailers spar over price of bottled water

LOS ANGELES – A court fight over retail operations at one of the nation’s busiest airports led to a charge Friday that passengers are being gouged on bottled water prices.

Legal papers filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court by boutique retailer Kitson Stores said Hudson Group, which operates many shops at Los Angeles International Airport, is exploiting travelers with “hugely” inflated water prices.

The two sides have been exchanging accusations over business operations and licensing arrangements at the airport, which attracts 70 million travelers annually.

Kitson says New Jersey-based Hudson refused to sell bottled water at the airport’s two Kitson shops it operates at $2.55 for a liter. Instead, Hudson charges consumers about $5 a bottle at the stores, the court filing said.

Kitson argues that Hudson is trying to force its stores out of the airport because of the friction over water prices.

Hudson attorney Brian Timmons called the Kitson claim a publicity stunt intended to divert attention from its failure to meet contractual obligations.