I used to have the same view as many on this forum and thought those complaining about the convoluted walk to Galleries South were getting a bit worked up over not very much at all.

However, having now had the chance to use the concorde door (or whatever we’re calling it) I was very surprised to find just how much of a difference it made to the travelling experience, to the extent that I was taken aback by the crowds when leaving the lounge and passing through the terminal to go to the gate (late, after a few too many glasses of DP Grand Siecle!).

FWIW, it surely can’t come as a surprise to anyone that part of BAA’s sales pitch to Paul Smith, Prada, Dior et al was presumably that the typically more affluent customers who have access to lounges (whether for work or pleasure) will have to at least walk past their stores. It’s not a question of “customer choice” or “convenience” or "respect" – BAA is simply seeking to run its operations as profitably as possible, and I’m sure retail revenues are a key part of that profitability. No-one is being forced to shop (I usually don't), but they are at least put in the path of temptation...

I agree that the schlep is badly designed though, with stupid pinch points at escalators etc