ARI & International Shoppes Win JFK Terminal 4 Duty-Free Contract

A venture led by ARI, the retail business of State airports operator DAA, and International Shoppes has secured the duty-free concessions at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 4, replacing LVMH’s DFS. The partnership, which also includes a group of local enterprises, formally assumed duty-free operations on April 1, 2026, according to multiple reports.

The group, operating as JFK T4 Retail Partners LLC, plans to invest $50 million (€43 million) in the duty-free and retail concessions within the terminal, which handles 28 million passengers annually. This investment is part of a larger $1.5 billion overhaul of Terminal 4, spearheaded by International Airport Terminals (IAT), the Schiphol Airport-owned company that operates the terminal.

First US Venture for ARI

This marks ARI’s first foray into the US market, a goal the company has been pursuing for some time, according to ARI Chief Executive Ray Hernan. “It’s another flag in the ground,” Hernan said, as reported by the Irish Times. “We operate in a very competitive landscape and these wins do not come easy.”

The consortium won a long-term contract to manage nine outlets totaling 2,500 square meters of retail space. The deal follows the exit of DFS from its US airport concessions as part of a strategic realignment by its parent company, LVMH, reflecting a broader scaling back of DFS’s airport retail presence.

Focus on New York Identity

ARI and International Shoppes have been tasked with reshaping the retail offerings to reflect the vibrancy and diversity of New York City. The partners aim to deliver a retail experience combining premium brands, exclusive product launches, and locally inspired selections, with a strong emphasis on hospitality and service.

The phased rollout of store refurbishments and new brand introductions is scheduled throughout 2026 and beyond. The venture officially launched on Thursday, with ARI and its partners having only weeks to prepare after winning the contract.

Financial Details and Company Background

ARI currently manages duty-free and travel retail businesses in 26 locations across 12 countries, including Canada. The business generates an annual turnover of $100 million. International Shoppes is a New York-based duty-free and luxury retail operator.

The appointment of JFK T4 Retail Partners LLC was made by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and terminal operator JFKIAT. The project is part of JFKIAT’s ‘T4 North Star’ strategy, designed to position Terminal 4 as a world-class gateway.