The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFKIAT – the operator of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – announced that JFK T4 Retail Partners LLC has been selected to reimagine the duty-free and specialty retail concessions for passengers at T4. The partnership brings together ARI, one of the world’s leading travel retail operators; International Shoppes, a leading Queens-based duty-free and specialty retailer; and a group of local and small enterprise partners. This partnership is aligned with JFKIAT’s T4 North Star vision, the strategic plan for the terminal’s $1.5B transformation. 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. ARI operates duty-free and duty-paid travel retail outlets across 12 countries globally. At the same time, International Shoppes is widely regarded as a pioneer in the U.S. duty-free market, having introduced the nation’s first and only duty-free cash-and-carry system in 1998. Together, 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.
The concept blends premium brand partnerships, activation-led experiences, and clear value communication with a vibrant service culture, rooted in hospitality, innovation, and pride. Passengers will experience exclusive product launches and access to a curated selection of the best local finds that New York City has to offer. JFK T4 Retail Partners formally assumes operations of duty-free at T4 on April 1, with a phased program of store enhancements, curated brand introductions, and experiential activations set to roll out throughout 2026 and beyond.
“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 Director Kathryn Garcia. “JFKIAT’s selection of JFK T4 Retail Partners to reimagine the duty-free and specialty retail concessions will pair local businesses with global brands to create the travel experience passengers deserve.”
“As JFK’s busiest terminal, a newly modernized 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 travelers expect to find when they come to our region.”
“Our partnership with JFK T4 Retail Partners, LLC is the next significant step in our total transformation of T4’s commercial program,” said Roel Huinink, Chief Executive Officer of JFKIAT. “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.”
“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 Matthew Greenbaum, Co-CEO, International Shoppes. “Terminal 4 is a vibrant, fast-moving international terminal, and we are excited to introduce a refreshed duty-free experience that resonates with travelers 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 Ray Hernan, CEO, ARI. “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 traveler, staying true to our commitment to deliver ‘Joy On Your Way’ at every step of the journey.”
“Being awarded the Terminal 4 duty-free program is both an honor and a responsibility we take very seriously,” said Scott Halpern, Co-CEO, International Shoppes. “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.”
This collaboration continues JFKIAT’s commitment to strengthening T4’s New York City identity through partnerships with local businesses that define the city. Last year, JFKIAT announced its partnership with HMSHost to bring seven local small businesses into the terminal’s concessions operations as joint-venture partners, infusing T4’s commercial landscape with local food, beverage, and retail experiences featuring New York City-centric branding and ambiance. Through this newly announced partnership with JFK T4 Retail Partners, JFKIAT will introduce New York Duty Free at Terminal 4, a retail concept that reflects T4’s strong, New York sense of place with nods to the city’s global stature, while celebrating local craftsmanship. The participating business partners include:
- Byrd Retail Group: bringing 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 numerous public infrastructure, transportation, and economic development projects throughout the state – including those at JFK Airport – and supporting initiatives that connect local businesses to those projects;
- CSQ Enterprises: an organization with deep roots in the airport industry and a proven commitment to supporting communities across Queens.
- M&R Concessions: an experienced local business with extensive operations at JFK Airport;
- Neir’s Tavern: a Queens-based business and one of the oldest operating taverns in the U.S., has a storied local legacy and a strong commitment to civic leadership.
- Onsite Retailers: a division of Olympic Supply, Inc., that brings decades of airport concession knowledge and a strong 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.
This partnership comes as JFKIAT celebrates 25 years of operating T4, creating a best-in-class passenger experience, and leading T4’s transformation through innovation and a community-driven vision. 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 passenger journeys, 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 toward greater premiumization, a stronger focus on hospitality, greater passenger engagement, and curated offerings.
