JFK IAT, LLC, the terminal developer and operator at JFK’s Terminal 4, marked the most successful year ever for its concessions program with sales up 15% compared to last year for…
JFK IAT, LLC, the terminal developer and operator at JFK’s Terminal 4, marked the most successful year ever for its concessions program with sales up 15% compared to last year for food, beverage and retail merchandise.
Contributing to the strong sales growth for The Shops at Terminal 4 was a record high of 3.8 million passenger enplanements – a 19% increase compared to 2005 – as well as commercial development plans by Terminal 4’s major retail partners DFS, ARI/Sardana and Hudson News to expand shops, renovate existing stores and further develop the current retail offerings.
One of the highlights of 2006 was the extension of the lease between JFK IAT Terminal 4 and its duty free operator, DFS, for an additional five years. The lease will now expire in May 2011. As part of the extension, DFS expanded its gate shops – adding a wider range of cosmetics, liquor and fragrances. The result has tripled sales on the A Concourse and more than doubled sales on the B Concourse. Despite setbacks resulting from new security requirements, DFS and Terminal 4 have worked together proactively to educate passengers and encourage sales. In addition, further investment plans are underway for significant upgrades and brand additions, and a separate shop dedicated exclusively to Mont Blanc, which will now be available at the main pre-security store.
Also at Terminal 4, Hudson Group’s Hudson News extended its lease agreement until 2013, and undertook a $2.5 million renovation of its large (7,500 sq. ft.) Hudson News, located in the center of the Terminal 4 retail concourse. The store now serves as the flagship in the Hudson News chain. The new design emulates a New York City space with wood floors and fixtures, as well as vaulted ceilings surrounded by images evoking the New York City skyline and lower Manhattan lofts. Featured concepts include “Discover New York,” “Christmas in New York” and a full-service Hudson Booksellers. Plans for redevelopment of four additional locations, two pre- and two post-security, are already underway.
December 2006 marked the opening of the Bijoux Terner to the roster of shops that comprise The Shops at Terminal 4. Known for its stylish apparel accessories that retail for $10, Bijoux Terner expects that the Terminal 4 location will be one of its most successful airport units. ARI/Sardana, which operates 11 retail outlets at Terminal 4, developed the store and will serve as its manager. Bijoux Terner joins the unique group of Runway Shops developed by ARI/Sardana, specifically to serve Terminal 4 passengers. A new addition to the Runway franchise also opened recently featuring trendy New York-style clothing and accessories.
“JFK IAT prides itself on being the ‘Terminal of Choice’,” said Alain Maca, president, JFK IAT, LLC. “As the passenger traffic through Terminal 4 continues to grow, we strive to provide an enjoyable travel experience for passengers.”
“By offering a diverse array of trendy, exciting, world-class shopping, all before security, we are gaining increasing popularity among the ‘meeters and greeters’ and the employees of JFK who can easily access the shops,” offered Janice Holden, vice president, marketing and business development. “It’s been a great year for Terminal 4 and our concessionaires and we expect this trend to continue in 2007.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
