JFK New Terminal One to Boost Local Business with Unique Retail Experience

John F. Kennedy International Airport is set to enhance its travel retail experience with the introduction of a new initiative at the New Terminal One, which will feature travel essentials and a vibrant selection of products from renowned New York brands and local businesses. This development is part of a collaborative effort involving the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports, and international travel retailer WHSmith North America.

A total of six carefully curated retail spaces, spread over approximately 8,400 square feet, will grace this new terminal, showcasing a distinctive mix of global, national, and local brands. This venture emphasizes a unique New York ambience, enriched by iconic brands such as Made in Queens, Magnolia Bakery, Jacques Torres Chocolates, and Greyston Bakery. Additionally, there will be locally crafted goods encompassing a range of products from New York City’s boroughs, including granola from Queens-based Baked by Noon and soap from Treestar.

A central theme of the new Terminal One's retail concept is its commitment to diversity and community inclusion. The Port Authority's Institute of Concessions (IOC) has played a pivotal role in fostering this inclusivity, offering training and development for local businesses to become successful airport concessionaires. Since its inception, the program has seen over 40 local enterprises graduate, providing these businesses with the skills needed to bid competitively for contracts.

Among the IOC graduates contributing to this venture are Beautiful Amore Skincare, Rincon Salvedoreno, and Brooklyn Blend. They participate in a business incubator led by Love From USA, a local enterprise committed to promoting disadvantaged business enterprises. Love From USA and its partners aim to provide travelers with authentic products that reflect the cultural diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of New York.

The business partnerships expand beyond Love From USA to include entities such as New York-based C&E Global Solutions and On-Site Retailers Inc. of Baltimore. This collaborative effort underscores JFK's mission to integrate and elevate local entrepreneurs, adding a strong sense of place and character to the travelers’ retail experience.

Travelers using Terminal One can look forward to several unique retail concepts designed for convenience and quality. These include WHSmith Travel Essentials, The Queens Borough Market, Skybound by WHSmith, and Las Artes Mercado. Each store will present a distinct aspect of New York's vibrant energy, from the industrial aesthetics of its architecture to the rich cultural narratives found within its communities.

Professionals involved in the airport's redevelopment emphasize the importance of this initiative in shaping JFK as a world-class gateway. Kevin O'Toole, Chairman of the Port Authority, notes that the airport's overhaul showcases New York’s hospitality to international visitors. Meanwhile, Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton emphasizes that the redevelopment, valued at $19 billion, prioritizes not only the customer experience but also economic inclusion and community engagement.

The New Terminal One project, due for completion in phases with an anticipated finish in 2030, reinforces JFK's position as a leading international travel hub. As the largest terminal at JFK, it will house 23 gates and over 300,000 square feet of retail, dining, and lounge spaces. Its design focuses on sustainability and future-ready facilities, featuring expansive, naturally lit spaces and cutting-edge technology to enhance the traveler experience.

The development’s broader vision aligns with the strategic objectives set out in the JFK Vision Plan, which was announced in January 2017. This plan aims to transform JFK into a preeminent global airport through comprehensive redevelopment and expansion, impacting not just the airport but also providing significant opportunities for local communities.

Integration of local businesses is a key aspect of the Terminal’s development, with substantial efforts made to incentivize and involve minority, women-owned, and local enterprises across all sectors. Engaging with the local community, such as through the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council, highlights the inclusion of community input and opportunities in this transformational endeavor.

Ultimately, the New Terminal One aims to represent New York's diversity and energy, creating an immersive experience for travelers that reflects the city's unique vibrancy and cultural heritage. This ambitious project serves as both an economic driver and a platform for showcasing the creativity and tenacity of New York's local entrepreneurs.