“Redefining duty free in the USA” – Duty Free Americas hails JFK New Terminal One contract gain

USA. Duty Free Americas CEO Jerome Falic has said that the New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport will become “the number one door” by sales in the group’s travel retail network once its duty-free stores are operational next year.

As reported, DFA was named yesterday as exclusive duty-free partner at the eagerly anticipated terminal, which will open in phases from 2026. The company 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.

Falic told The Moodie Davitt Report: “It is very exciting to be part of the most ambitious terminal being built in the US. We have tremendous plans that align with the airport’s vision for the terminal.”

He said that a combination of factors helped DFA capture this key contract. “We put forward competitive financial terms, we had a great vision and design for the customer experience, plus we have a proven track record in delivering world-class duty-free operations.”

In a key development, The New Terminal One will offer a cash & carry experience, with duty-free purchases no longer held for collection at the boarding gates. At New Terminal One, customers will be able to take advantage of omnichannel retail offers such as online click and collect, lounge deliveries.

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

Falic said the move to eliminate gate delivery, and gain Customs approval for that move, was down to the terminal’s status as an all-international facility. “Other airports in the US blend domestic and international flights, but here we have an only-international terminal. The terminal’s focus solely on the international traveller makes it unique.”

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.”

On progress towards opening, Falic said the company was already well advanced in its design plans, with a view to opening all of its space alongside phase one of the terminal in 2026.

“We are on a strict timeline to be ready and open on day one, and we are on schedule with The New Terminal One to achieve that. This is a big commitment but we are very excited. This will be a unique terminal.”

A premium travel retail experience

Skyline Duty Free will feature a curated selection of luxury spirits, wines, skincare, cosmetics, fragrances, confectionery, fashion & accessories, gifts and more; including limited-edition and ‘Only at New Terminal One’ products and collaborations.

The duty-free collection will feature:

• • Independent brand boutiques and shop-in-shops showcasing renowned fashion houses and curated emerging brands;
  • Retail innovations including holographic displays, multi-sensory virtual reality, tasting experiences, show-tending mixology bars, and A.I.-powered beauty treatments;
  • ‘Outside In’ Local Business showcase brings the essence of New York City’s famous markets—Urbanspace, Chelsea Market, Bryant Park, and more—to the terminal with small-batch goods and locally-made artisanal products celebrating local craftsmanship on a global stage. More than 1,000sq ft of local products will be prominently featured in a rotating assortment.