The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, American Airlines and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports opened six new retail spaces at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) Terminal 8 (T8) operated by small, local, women- and minority-owned entrepreneurs.
The openings were part of the $125 million commercial redevelopment program for T8. The shops were selected through URW’s small business accelerator program, which offers small local businesses flexible deal terms and small-format spaces that significantly reduce upfront and design costs associated with entry into the airport market.
The project has developed six dedicated turnkey spaces – two inline stores and four retail kiosks. The local businesses were selected based on their unique products, ability to scale, and business plans.
The entrepreneurs offer a variety of goods that were specifically chosen for the JFK Terminal 8 passenger. Products include handmade jewelry, home decor, hand-drawn illustrations of iconic New York scenes, honey and honey-based products, vegan skincare, jams and preserves, tonics and health supplements.
“As the Port Authority develops world-class airports around the region, we are working with our private partners to ensure that local businesses are able to share in these historic investments,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole.
“Helping local businesses access concessions opportunities at Terminal 8 is an asset for our passengers, who will enjoy products unique to New York that are made and sold by local artisans and vendors.”
“These six, local women bring the energy and enthusiasm of a small business owner to Terminal 8 while offering one-of-a-kind products, which are made right here in New York,” said Dominic Lowe, U.S. chief operating officer of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.
“Working with the Port Authority, the Institute of Concessions and American Airlines, we designed these opportunities with a support system to help businesses thrive. This cutting-edge program is part of our overall effort of integrating local businesses and products and will serve as a model for JFK and beyond. Airports from all over the country have reached out wanting to understand more about what we’re doing, and how we’re doing it.”
