Baby Chick Merchandise Lands at San José Mineta International Airport’s Hudson Shops

Just in time for holiday shopping: baby chick merchandise available for sale to the public for the first time

Ernie plush toy lands at SJC's Hudson retail locations
 

San José, Calif. – San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is pleased to announce an exclusive partnership with the Hudson Group to retail its beloved baby chick merchandise for the first time. The endearing chicks that launched SJC’s award-winning 75th anniversary marketing campaign have become a favorite among aviation enthusiasts and SJC travelers alike, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Airport’s inaugural commercial flight in February 1949, which arrived carrying two pilots, seven human passengers and 2,550 baby chickens.
 
Previously only available through SJC promotional giveaways and events, seven products—including a luggage tag, two sock designs, three keychains and the highly coveted “Ernie” plush toy—are now available to purchase in four Hudson retail locations within SJC: Terminal A near Gates 6 and 11; Terminal B near Gates 21 and 27 (all post-TSA screening).
 
“What a fitting way to end a remarkable 75th year, with the long-awaited introduction of baby chick merchandise for sale at SJC,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “The region’s most convenient and reliable airport continues to raise the bar for its passengers and SJC’s innovative campaign celebrating 75 years of flight has engaged the traveling public with its endearing chicken characters honoring San José’s aviation pioneers.”
 
“This baby chicken merchandise reflects the friendliness, accessibility and rich history of San José Mineta International Airport and this is the perfect way to end a banner year,” said City Manager Jennifer Maguire.   
 
“Bringing these adorable baby chicks to life has been a highlight of 2024,” said Jill Stone, Marketing Manager, San José Mineta International Airport. “Originally created to commemorate SJC’s 75th anniversary, the baby chicks were an instant hit with passengers and staff. Passengers have been clamoring for the chance to buy chick merchandise, and we couldn’t be happier to partner with the Hudson Group to make this happen, just in time for the holidays.”
 
SJC brought these quirky and clucky passengers to life with a comprehensive marketing campaign—including terminal displays and signage, videos, promotional items and a photo contest—to tell the story of its origins and 75 years of the Airport. SJC’s in-house designer illustrated a small flock of adorable baby chick characters, each with a unique persona and historical connection to the Airport. The main character, “Ernie,” is the namesake of Ernest Renzel, who led the campaign to make a commercial airport in San José a reality. Ernie and his flockmates—Jim, Robbie, Maria, Minnie, Paul and Pat—have become prominent fixtures on SJC’s social media channels as well as throughout the Airport terminals in the form of decals, stickers and even a giant inflatable chick. 
 
Since their introduction to the public via festivals and events in early 2024, the chick merchandise has become synonymous with SJC’s brand identity, helping the airport to win the “Best Overall Marketing Program, Medium Airport” at the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) 2024 Excellence in Airport Marketing, Communication & Customer Experience awards ceremony.