JFK T4 Retail Partners LLC has a plan to reimagine the duty free and specialty retail concessions at New York’s JFK Terminal 4. The new partnership, made up of ARI, one of the world’s leading travel retail operators; International Shoppes, a leading NY-based duty free and specialty retailer; and a group of local and small enterprise partners, was announced the winner of the concessions by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFKIAT at the beginning of the month. Travel Markets Insider spoke with the principals from International Shoppes and ARI about their vision of a best-in-class Terminal 4.
“JFK T4 Retail Partners is a joint venture of International Shoppes, which has tremendous U.S. experience, and ARI, which has fantastic global experience, along with our local partners, and comes together with our reach and knowledge to create a first class experience for our customers day in and day out,” Scott Halpern, International Shoppes, Co-CEO tells TMI.
“We are delighted to be partnering with International Shoppes, JFKIAT and our wider local partners at JFK Terminal 4. This is a unique opportunity to bring together global travel retail expertise with deep local knowledge to create something that truly reflects the energy and spirit of New York. Together, we have an ambitious vision to deliver a dynamic, experience-led retail environment that resonates with the millions of passengers who pass through this iconic gateway each year,” adds Ray Hernan, CEO, ARI.
ARI operates duty free and duty paid travel retail outlets across 12 countries globally, while International Shoppes is widely regarded as a pioneer in the U.S. duty free market, having opened some of the first ever duty free shops at JFK and introduced the nation’s first and only duty free cash-and-carry system in 1998. It will be celebrating its 75th year in business in 2026.
JFK T4 Retail Partners formally assumed 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.
International Shoppes Co-CEO Matthew Greenbaum tells TMI that the joint venture of iShoppes and ARI is the “perfect marriage,” and will complement each other over the 16 years of the contract.
“JFK Terminal 4 is a very big project. It is a massive terminal. We could have done this on our own. ARI could have done this on their own. Both companies are more than competent to have taken this venture. But we’ve had some great conversations over the last few years of what a JV could look like, and we just felt that there were enough pieces of the puzzle that we’re going to complement ARI, they’re going to complement us, and it’s going to be a perfect marriage,” says Greenbaum.
“And now through our workings, the bids, and now a week into this, we’re seeing these complements are really helping each other out, allowing us to quickly pivot and maneuver.”
Creating a uniquely New York sense of place is a key component of the terminal and through the new partnership with JFK T4 Retail Partners, JFKIAT will introduce New York Duty Free at Terminal 4, with nods to the city’s global stature, while celebrating local craftsmanship.
According to the official announcement, 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.
“DFS has left behind a fantastic legacy. They’ve done a great job over there. We plan on bringing this to the next level. I can’t really go too far into the plan. But it will include how we are going to be retailing. It will include which brands we will bring into the terminal. It will include the technology that we will use. It will include all the little elements that we’re going to be doing to create a very unique customer experience,” says Halpern.
JFK T4 Retail Partners will retain the workforce that has worked for DFS at JFK and will be adding more people in the coming months.
“We’re really happy to have retained the workforce that was there. They have a tremendous work knowledge of the building, and the customers that are coming through there. That’s going to be key. With our global reach, our local reach, and then this team that’s here in the field, it gives us the ability to go into a sprint right away, which is fantastic. From there, we’re also growing, and we’re adding more people to the headcount, so we’re really supporting the business to make sure that the customer service is there,” says Halpern.
“One of the things that is key for ARI, International Shoppes and all of our stakeholders, is that we’re retailers. We’re making sure that we are providing a great assortment at a great price and great customer service. The heartbeat of the company is the team that’s in the fields making those sales, day in and day out.”
Along with ARI and International Shoppes, 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., with 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.
