USA. New York-based International Shoppes has been appointed to operate ten-year retail and in-bond duty-free concessions at Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Kahului Airport, replacing long-time operator DFS Group.
As reported in January, DFS Group has decided to exit its long-standing Hawaiian downtown and airport operations.
The decision aligns with a review of the company’s global store network, outlined by Chairman & CEO Ed Brennan in a November 2024 interview with The Moodie Davitt Report. It reflects the significant shift in trading conditions in Hawaii in recent years.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) announced yesterday (10 February) that the contracts will take effect on 1 April at both airports.
Working alongside Ben Crump Enterprises, International Shoppes is set to develop two additional speciality retail units in the Mauka Concourse of Terminal 1 at Honolulu Airport.
The travel retailer will also refurbish the existing DFS locations, which will remain operational until renovation and construction plans are completed.
Alongside global and national brands, iShoppes will spotlight Hawaii-made products, supporting local enterprises and artisans in expanding reach and brand visibility.
The company is also inviting current DFS employees, along with other interested applicants, to apply for job opportunities at its Honolulu and Kahului airport locations.
Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen said, “This new partnership with International Shoppes will bring an elevated retail experience to the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Kahului Airport.
“We welcome International Shoppes’ investments in our state and appreciate its commitment to support island businesses and artisans by featuring Hawaii products and crafts alongside premium international brands.”
International Shoppes co-CEO said Matthew Greenbaum added, “International Shoppes has spent generations building airport retail programmes rooted in integrity, partnership and long-term sustainability for all stakeholders.
“We are honoured to work alongside HDOT at HNL and OGG as we build upon DFS’s remarkable legacy and invest in a future that celebrates Hawaii, its people and its culture.”
International Shoppes co-CEO Scott Halpern commented, “This is a rare opportunity to be a long-term steward of two of the most important gateways in Hawaii.
“We’re committed to investing in the airports, the local business community and the teams on the ground. Our vision is to make HNL and OGG a reflection of the islands’ creativity, craftsmanship and welcoming spirit.”
With the addition of Honolulu and Kahului airports, International Shoppes further strengthens its portfolio of duty-free and specialty retail stores across key US gateways.
These include JFK International Airport in New York, Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Bradley International Airport in Hartford and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. ✈
