ARI and International Shoppes partnership captures New York JFK T4 duty-free contract and begins operations

USA. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and terminal operator JFKIAT have named JFK T4 Retail Partners – a partnership led by ARI and International Shoppes, alongside local and small enterprises – to manage the duty-free and speciality retail concessions at New York JFK International Airport Terminal 4.

JFKIAT said the partnership between global player ARI and Queens-based travel retailer International Shoppes is aligned with its T4 North Star vision, the strategic plan for the terminal’s continuing US$1.5 billion transformation.

JFK T4 Retail Partners formally assumed operations of duty free in T4 on 1 April (taking over from long-time incumbent DFS Group), with a phased programme of store enhancements, brand introductions and experiential activations set to roll out throughout 2026 and beyond.

A statement from the stakeholders said, “The many components of this strategic initiative will position T4 to stand as a truly world-class airport terminal, achieving the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s larger vision for JFK Airport.”

The partnership reflects JFKIAT’s dedication to working with partners “driven by customer experience excellence”, the statement added.

“Creating a uniquely New York sense of place is a key component in the Port Authority’s transformation of JFK Airport into a world-class global gateway,” said Port Authority Executive Kathryn Garcia. “JFKIAT’s selection of JFK T4 Retail Partners to reimagine the duty-free and speciality retail concessions will pair local businesses with global brands to create the travel experience passengers deserve.”

“As JFK’s busiest terminal, a newly modernised and expanded Terminal 4 plays an important role in welcoming passengers from around the world to our region,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “A best-in-class Terminal 4 will include an unparalleled retail experience that travellers expect to find when they come to our region.”

“Our partnership with JFK T4 Retail Partners is the next significant step in our total transformation of T4’s commercial programme,” said JFKIAT Chief Executive Officer Roel Huinink.

“As we continue to transform T4 into a world-class gateway, we are focused on strengthening every facet of T4’s New York identity while offering a best-in-class customer experience. I look forward to what we have in store for our passengers as we reimagine the future of the duty-free and specialty retail experience at T4.”

The concept, which will operate under the New York Duty Free at Terminal 4 brand, “blends premium brand partnerships, activation-led experiences and clear value communication with a vibrant service culture, rooted in hospitality, innovation and pride”, added the partners.

Exclusive products and access to a curated selection of local New York City goods will be cornerstones of the offer.

“This award reflects the strength of our long-standing relationships at JFK and the confidence placed in our joint vision for the future of travel retail,” said International Shoppes Co-CEO Matthew Greenbaum. “Terminal 4 is a vibrant, fast-moving international terminal, and we are excited to introduce a refreshed duty-free experience that resonates with travellers from around the world while celebrating the spirit of New York.”

“We are delighted to partner with International Shoppes on this important award at JFK Terminal 4,” said ARI CEO Ray Hernan. “JFK is one of the world’s most iconic aviation hubs, and Terminal 4 represents a significant opportunity to bring our customer-first philosophy and activation-led retail model to life in the United States.

“Together, we look forward to delivering a dynamic and distinctly New York experience that reflects the ambition of the airport and the expectations of today’s global traveller, staying true to our commitment to deliver ‘Joy On Your Way’ at every step of the journey.”

“Being awarded the Terminal 4 duty-free programme is both an honour and a responsibility we take very seriously,” said International Shoppes Co-CEO Scott Halpern. “As a New York-rooted business with decades of history at JFK, we are deeply committed to continuing to raise the bar for travel retail at this airport. Partnering with ARI allows us to combine global expertise with local knowledge, ensuring Terminal 4 delivers an experience worthy of this extraordinary city.”

The collaboration maintains JFKIAT’s commitment to strengthening T4’s New York City identity through partnerships with local businesses. Last year, JFKIAT announced a partnership with HMSHost to bring participation of seven local small businesses as joint-venture partners into concessions at the terminal.

The New York Duty Free at Terminal 4 retail concept reflects T4’s strong New York sense of place with nods to the city’s global stature, while encouraging and celebrating local craftsmanship. The participating business partners include:

• Byrd Retail Group, which brings decades of experience at JFK Airport and working with the Queens community to support the participation of local concession businesses;
• Crescent Consulting, a local, Queens firm that has supported public infrastructure, transportation and economic development projects throughout the state – including those at JFK Airport – and initiatives that connect local businesses to those projects;
• CSQ Enterprises, an organisation with roots in the airport industry and a commitment to supporting communities across Queens;
• M&R Concessions, an experienced local business with extensive operations at JFK Airport;
• Neir’s Tavern, a Queens business and one of the oldest operating taverns in the USA, with a strong local legacy and commitment to civic leadership;
• Onsite Retailers, a division of Olympic Supply, Inc., that brings long airport concession knowledge and a presence in Queens and the larger New York City business community; and
• Ben Crump Enterprises (BCE), a company founded by renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump to advance economic opportunity, promote entrepreneurship and support underserved communities.

Speaking to The Moodie Davitt Report, ARI and International Shoppes management hailed the contract win, which builds on around three years of partnership pursuing new business in the US market.

Scott Halpern said: “We have a long history at JFK, beginning in 1961 with a store at the Port Authority bus terminal. This partnership brings together two of the longest-established companies in the industry to open a new chapter in New York City.”

Matthew Greenbaum said: “Personally and professionally, winning this contract was critically important to us. We have extended our long-term presence and footprint at JFK, and Terminal 4 is such an interesting and dynamic terminal.

“It means a lot to Scott and me and the ownership team, to our vendors who have supported us and to our staff who are super-excited. It is an emotional time for us and is tremendously exciting.”

Ray Hernan added, “We are going to bring something different to the US market at JFK T4. International Shoppes brings the experience and the knowledge of the passenger demographic and how to operate at JFK in particular. We are bringing a global view and our own experience of successfully bringing new concepts into the airport environment.” [The full interview will follow soon.]

ARI operates duty-free and duty-paid travel retail outlets across 12 countries, while International Shoppes is a pioneer in the US duty-free market, having started operations at JFK’s Port Authority bus station in 1961 and introduced the nation’s first and only duty-free cash-and-carry system in 1998.

The partners “unite global, national and local brand partnerships, operational excellence and retail innovation with deep local expertise and a long-standing commitment to JFK”, added a statement.

The partnership comes as JFKIAT celebrates 25 years of operating T4, leading its transformation “through innovation and a community-driven vision”.

The statement added, “JFKIAT’s legacy of fostering a collaborative culture with its partners in the T4 community has resulted in an effective ecosystem focused on innovation, a customer-centric approach to delivering incredible journeys for passengers, and thriving, long-term relationships with JFKIAT’s business partners.

“As JFKIAT moves its T4 North Star vision forward, this collaborative work is leading the terminal towards a higher degree of premiumisation, a bigger focus on hospitality, more engagement with passengers, and curated offerings.”

*Watch out for a special report, coming soon, on JFKIAT’s transformation, commercial vision, community focus and key partnerships.