International Shoppes, in partnership with Ben Crump Enterprises (BCE), has introduced a new, community-focused retail program at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).
The joint venture is focused on strengthening Hawaii’s local business ecosystem while enhancing the traveler experience, and the new stores are built on a shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and economic empowerment, say the companies.
International Shoppes will open 29 stores in Honolulu, a mixture of lightly renovated shops, completely redesigned spaces, as well as areas that have never been used for retail before.
“We have some stores that are going to open in May and June, and some stores will take a little longer. We have a staggered approach. There are 13 spaces in Honolulu that remain as is. We’ll be doing some light touch ups to these, but for the most part, the footprints will stay as is. We have 14 spaces that will undergo complete renovations. We will open them up over the next several months and should be finished by the end of the year. These locations will be retrofitted and brought in as new brands and new concepts. We also have two new locations that have never been occupied and are going to come to life for the first time,” International Shoppes Co-CEO Scott Halpern tells TMI.
The HNL retail program blends globally recognized brands with iconic local businesses, creating a uniquely Hawaiian sense of place. The stores will offer products from iconic local brands such as Honolulu Cookie Company, Hawaiian King and Ko Hana Rum, offering authentic, high-quality goods that allow visitors to take a lasting piece of Hawaii home with them.
At the core of the program is a deep commitment to community partnership. International Shoppes and BCE have worked closely with local organizations and 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 HNL. This space will provide emerging local brands with a global stage to showcase their products and craftsmanship at the airport.
“We are incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to become part of HNL,” says Matthew Greenbaum, Co-CEO of International Shoppes. “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 organization and look forward to growing together.”
International Shoppes opened with 173 employees, most of them former DFS workers. Halpern said retaining experienced local staff, who have the experience and knowledge of working in Hawaii for years, was a priority from the start.
“We took on the DFS team, who have a fantastic organization there. It is really exciting having a team that’s well trusted, especially coming from organization that’s as strong as DFS has been for so many years,” says Halpern.
“We’re not making Hawaii International Shoppes. International Shoppes is becoming Hawaii.”
The partners say that their vision is a commitment to strengthening local businesses and supporting the Hawaii economy.
“We are incredibly grateful for the trust and partnership the HDOT team has demonstrated in this once in a lifetime transition at HNL. We are excited to helping travelers take home more than just a product—we are giving them a connection to the islands that lives on long after their visit,” says Halpern.
“Community is the foundation of this partnership,” says 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.”
Through its partnership-driven approach, International Shoppes and BCE say that they are committed to creating a retail experience at HNL that reflects the spirit of Hawaii—one that celebrates culture, supports local entrepreneurs, and inspires travelers to return.
