Duty Free Americas to Operate Flagship
Duty Free Program in the JFK New Terminal One
– Setting a new gold standard in global travel retail –
– A fully international terminal, attracting some of the world’s most coveted travel retail passengers across Asia, Europe, Middle East -
For Immediate Release: Duty Free Americas (DFA), the largest travel retailer in the Americas, has been selected to operate the duty-free program in John F. Kennedy International Airport’s (JFK) New Terminal One.
DFA is proud to participate in this transformative new terminal, which will serve as the premier hub for international long-haul flights, home to the world’s top airlines connecting New York City with coveted travel destinations across the globe. DFA has worked in close collaboration with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the New Terminal One, and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield on the plans for this new partnership.
Skyline Duty Free by Duty Free Americas
Under the bespoke brand Skyline Duty Free by Duty Free Americas, this first-of-its-kind retail experience, spanning nearly 20,000 square feet, will anchor the terminal’s “World’s Runway” commercial area. The flagship store will feature bold architecture that mirrors the terminal’s grandeur, alongside four additional duty free locations throughout the terminal. Inspired by New York’s iconic skyline and dynamic energy, DFA’s Skyline Duty Free will set a new standard in airport retail, featuring world-renowned powerhouse brands, locally inspired and made-in-NYC products, and immersive shopping experiences unlike anything seen before.
Customer Experience at the Heart of Skyline’s Success
DFA recognises that a noteworthy customer experience is the key to drive any best-in-class duty free retail operation. Skyline Duty Free by Duty Free Americas will prioritise a 360-degree approach to providing this experience by incorporating the latest in digital interactions, multisensory experience centres, grandiose brand moments, exclusive product launches and much more. Every detail has been expertly planned, from passenger flow and wayfinding down to VIP personal shopping services and even the ergonomics of merchandise bags. DFA understands that experiences are measured through the memory and is confident that its Skyline Duty Free operation will create thoughtful, engaging moments for passengers, inspiring curiosity and incentivising repeat customers.
As an international-only terminal, once opened, the New Terminal One will be the sole airport terminal in the U.S. to offer the benefit of cash and carry, eliminating the need for gate delivery and providing additional ease of shopping and comfort to passengers; this will be a game-changing shift in the duty-free dynamics in the United States, paralleling other international benchmarks abroad. This system also allows for greater flexibility in omnichannel solutions such as click & collect online shopping as well as direct deliveries to business lounges.
Premium Product Offer
Skyline Duty Free by Duty Free Americas is set to offer a truly elevated product selection, focusing on an extensive assortment of limited edition New Terminal One exclusive and premium versions of well-known brands and product categories. Traditional duty-free core categories will be complemented with destination-inspired product lines, custom fragrances, and personalisation to ensure an unforgettable shopping experience. DFA plans to utilise its proven experience and brand relationships, coupled with third-party advisors, influencers, skilled category managers, and a dynamic data-analysis program to structure a best-in-class merchandising plan for Skyline Duty Free.
Skyline Duty Free is set to offer the best in luxury skincare, cosmetics, and personalised beauty products. Brand boutiques with independent shop-in-shops from the world’s most renowned and niche brands will provide ample space for exclusive product launches.
Experiential and Innovation Areas
Retail innovation specifically tailored to New Terminal One passengers will be ingrained in every aspect of Skyline Duty Free’s stores; holographic displays, multi-sensory VR tasting experiences, lift and learn displays, show-tending mixology bars, and immersive beauty experiences optimised by artificial intelligence will be a standard.
Located directly in front of Skyline Duty Free’s main store, a one-of-a-kind experiential area will be a highlight of the passenger journey. This versatile event space brings together the best of brands, sports, games, and digital interactions, creating unforgettable experiences. DFA looks forward to bringing the best of New York’s local culture into the Skyline Duty Free program, showcasing interactive experiences from the city’s most iconic events in this dynamic retail stage.
Local Artisans and “Outside In” Programme
Skyline’s world class duty-free programme will also feature the very best of New York, offering passengers local products in its boutique and main duty free stores. The boutique will sell core product categories including wines and spirits from local craft distilleries and rooftop vineyards, premium chocolates and confectionary assortments, emerging skincare and fragrance brands, fine jewellery, accessories, and more.
The “Outside In” Local Programme will bring the spirit of local markets like Chelsea Market and Winter Village to DFA’s experiential areas, offering passengers unique, small-batch products and gifts from artisanal producers based in New York. DFA, a long-time operator in New York’s JFK International Airport, is dedicated to forming long-lasting partnerships with local vendors and community leaders to showcase the best that New York retail has to offer. The Skyline team is eager to promote and support small local businesses and artists, actively collaborating with the New Terminal One, URW, the Port Authority, ACDBE partners, and local community leaders to ensure a robust, one-of-a-kind product offer.
The Team behind the Dream
DFA is uniquely positioned with an existing, experienced team that has a deep understanding of the passengers, airport, and spirit of New York, ensuring that seasoned professionals are ready to execute DFA’s passenger-focused vision. DFA is taking every measure to ensure that a comprehensive staffing plan including language and brand ambassadors, personal shoppers, and community liaisons is flawlessly executed, providing an unparalleled service to New Terminal One passengers.
DFA has also partnered with a key group of local ACDBE partners, carefully onboarding a diverse team with complementary strengths in marketing, community relations, concessions management and more to ensure a collaborative success for Skyline’s operations. DFA is thrilled to welcome C&E Global Solutions, JDK19 Group, BBJ Concessions, Prevost Consulting Group, and Parkview Global to DFA’s partner team for this venture. DFA has also recruited the finest experts in their field and would like to express its sincere gratitude to its extended development team; Leslie Jones Architecture, Mancini Duffy, and Holt Development for their invaluable collaboration.
SPOKESPERSON QUOTE:
Jerome Falic, Duty Free Americas CEO;
“Duty Free Americas is extremely honoured to have been selected as the duty-free concessionaire for John F. Kennedy International Airport’s highly anticipated New Terminal One. We extend our sincere gratitude to Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, New Terminal One, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for this incredible opportunity.
As JFK’s largest terminal, New Terminal One is set to redefine international travel to and from New York, and we are excited to play a key role in shaping its retail landscape. We are especially proud to introduce Skyline by Duty Free Americas, a distinctive brand flag for New Terminal One and a new benchmark in the global travel retail industry. Our innovative stores will elevate the shopping experience, providing international travellers with an unmatched selection of premium products in a dynamic and engaging setting.
We look forward to building a strong and collaborative partnership with all stakeholders and are committed to ensuring the long-term success of this venture. Together, we will deliver a world-class duty-free destination that enhances JFK’s New Terminal One.”
“Our vision is to set a new standard in the U.S. with our commercial program at JFK’s New Terminal One, and Duty Free Americas is delivering on that ambition with a duty-free program that combines the best international brands with distinctly New York City flavor,” said URW Chief Operating Officer Dominic Lowe. “This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine travel retail, and, together with our partners, we are honored to play a role in shaping this transformational experience coming soon to travelers.”
About Duty Free Americas:
Duty Free Americas, part of the Falic Group, is the largest duty-free operator in the Americas and ranks among the top 10 globally. The company has 25 years of experience operating duty-free stores in U.S. airports and retailing traditional duty-free merchandise categories. It runs the duty-free concessions at major airports, including Miami, Atlanta, Washington and JFK Terminal 7, as well as border locations along the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada crossings. Beyond North America, Duty Free Americas operates duty-free stores throughout Latin America and in Macau, China, and luxury retail boutiques in various international airports worldwide.
