Travel Retail Highlights II


“Redefining duty free in the USA”

“It is very exciting to be part of the most ambitious terminal being built in the USA. We have tremendous plans that align with the airport’s vision for the terminal.”

So said Duty Free Americas (DFA) CEO Jerome Falic about the New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, after the travel retailer was recently named as exclusive duty-free partner. The eagerly anticipated terminal will open in phases from 2026.

DFA will introduce a new retail brand, Skyline Duty Free, and the 20,000sq ft precinct will anchor the terminal’s ‘World’s Runway’ commercial district within the US$9.5 billion all-international terminal.

The Skyline Duty Free concept, which will be introduced at the New Terminal One, was inspired by the New York City skyline, and the connections the city creates with the rest of the world. “It’s all about New York. We wanted to express New York within the travel retail experience,” said Falic.

“We will also carry fresh concepts across all the core categories and we are working with the brands to create something special. The brands have the opportunity to express themselves in ways they want to be expressed. Many of them have focused on this terminal opportunity for a long time, and the attraction of New York to them is also huge. Between us and the brands we should be able to deliver something different from all other duty free shops.”

A flagship multi-level store will feature architecture that mirrors that of the terminal, alongside four additional duty-free locations. Falic said that the terminal design puts retail and commercial at its heart.

“It is a very impressive project. At many airports it’s a challenge to find the right location for the duty-free shop. Here they have got it right. We are positioned in the most visible, high-profile space in the airport. After security we have some spaces, and then all passengers come straight down via escalator to the front of our main store. It means you cannot miss the duty-free shop.”

An artistic impression of the Skyline Duty Free brand to be introduced by DFA at the eagerly awaited terminal

Comment: Duty Free Americas’ capture of the New Terminal One contract at JFK carries important meaning on several levels. For the company, it will extend its already large US airport footprint, becoming the number one location by sales in its network upon opening next year. It also allows DFA to show the industry – and the traveller base at the terminal – how it is raising its game to new heights as a retailer.

This is also a landmark development for US duty free. The New Terminal One will offer a cash & carry experience, with duty-free collected at point of purchase in-store and no longer delivered to gates. The cumbersome collect-at-gate regulation has been one factor holding back the business in the region, and in this case is made possible by the terminal’s status as an all-international facility, with no domestic overlap.

“We will be redefining how duty free operates in the USA,” said Falic. “This will be the first US terminal that allows customers to carry their purchases directly from the store. That in itself will enhance the shopping experience by simplifying the process and we expect it to drive engagement and lead to higher conversion rates.”

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The Moodie Davitt eZine

Issue 344 | 7 May 2025

The Moodie Davitt eZine is published 6 times per year by The Moodie Davitt Report (MA Travel Retail). © All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced without the permission of the Publisher. To find out more visit www.moodiedavittreport.com and to subscribe, please e-mail kristyn@moodiedavittreport.com

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