USA. New York-based International Shoppes celebrated the opening of its retail stores at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport on 20 April, following its appointment to a ten-year retail and in-bond duty-free concession contract at the Honolulu hub and at Maui’s Kahului Airport.
As reported, the retailer has replaced long-time incumbent DFS Group, which exited its Hawaiian downtown and airport operations in January.
Working alongside partner Ben Crump Enterprises, International Shoppes will add two speciality retail units to the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1.
International Shoppes previously noted its plans to refurbish the former DFS-operated locations, which will remain operational during the transition while renovation and construction work is completed.
The opening celebrations included a traditional blessing and dedication ceremony for the retail spaces at Honolulu Airport.
The joint venture, said the partners, is focused on strengthening Hawaii’s local business ecosystem while enhancing the traveller experience. The stores feature a wide selection of Hawaii-made products from more than 80 local vendors, alongside a curated selection of premium international brands.
They said they are especially proud of their collaboration with Mana Up, a leading champion of Hawaii-based entrepreneurs. In partnership with the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT), a dedicated Mana Up retail space will be prominently positioned within Honolulu Airport. This space will provide emerging local brands with a global stage to showcase their products and craftsmanship. Other local brands include Honolulu Cookie Company, Hawaiian King and Ko Hana Rum.
“We are incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to become part of HNL,” said International Shoppes Co-CEO Matthew Greenbaum.
“We want to thank Director Ed Sniffen and the entire HDOT team for their leadership and partnership throughout this process. From the accelerated transition to the shared vision of introducing new brands and elevating local businesses, HDOT has been an exceptional partner. From day one, our focus has been on building a strong local team and creating a retail environment that reflects the unique energy and diversity of Honolulu. We are proud to welcome so many new team members into our organisation and look forward to growing together.”
“At the heart of our vision is a commitment to strengthening local businesses and supporting the Hawaii economy,” said Co-CEO Scott Halpern.
“We are incredibly grateful for the trust and partnership the HDOT team has demonstrated in this once in a lifetime transition. We are excited to help travellers take home more than just a product—we are giving them a connection to the islands that lives on long after their visit.”
“Community is the foundation of this partnership,” said Ben Crump. “We are committed to creating real opportunities for small, family-owned businesses and ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared across the community. When we invest in local entrepreneurs, we uplift the entire ecosystem.”
International Shoppes and Ben Crump Enterprises said they are committed to creating a retail experience in Honolulu that reflects the spirit of Hawaii— “one that celebrates culture, supports local entrepreneurs and inspires travellers to return”. ✈
