The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, American Airlines, and Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports have announced the launch of six new retail spaces at John F. Kennedy International Airport's Terminal 8. These shops are operated by local, women-owned, and minority-owned entrepreneurs as part of a $125 million commercial redevelopment program for the terminal. The initiative aims to offer opportunities for local businesses while enhancing services for passengers.
URW's small business retail accelerator program is designed to reduce entry barriers for small businesses by offering flexible deal terms and ready-to-use spaces that minimize upfront costs. The project has established six dedicated turnkey spaces—two inline stores and four kiosks—for entrepreneurs from southeast Queens, greater Queens, or the New York City metropolitan area.
"As the Port Authority develops world-class airports around the region, we are working with our private partners to ensure that local businesses are able to share in these historic investments," said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole. "Helping local businesses access concessions opportunities at Terminal 8 is an asset for our passengers."
Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton emphasized the project's dual focus on economic opportunities and creating a "New York sense of place" at JFK Airport. "Cutting the ribbon for six new concessions at Terminal 8, each operated by local and diverse business owners, demonstrates that we are delivering on our commitments," he stated.
Dominic Lowe, U.S. Chief Operating Officer of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, highlighted the collaboration with various partners to support small businesses: "This cutting-edge program is part of our overall effort of integrating local businesses and products."
The selected entrepreneurs offer a variety of goods specifically chosen for JFK Terminal 8 passengers. These include jewelry, home decor, illustrations of iconic New York scenes, honey-based products, vegan skincare items, jams and preserves, tonics, and health supplements.
American Airlines' Vice President of Corporate Real Estate Amanda Zhang expressed enthusiasm about supporting local Queens and New York-area small businesses through URW's program: "URW’s small business retail accelerator program will positively impact local community members."
The JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council has been involved since 2018 in expanding community outreach efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for local stakeholders. Co-chaired by U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, the council comprises elected officials and community leaders from targeted areas around JFK.
Entrepreneurs now operating in JFK Terminal 8 include Jennifer Spencer's alchemy., Amerrah Danielson's Beautiful Amore Skincare, Gracia Clery-Leonce's Bevo’s Kitchen, Nadia Ackerman's Natchie illustrations store, Ruth Harrigan's HoneyGramz company focusing on honey products from Great Neck N.Y., and Dr. Lord-Marcelle’s Mother Earth Juice Bar specializing in natural health remedies.
Since January 2017 when plans were announced under JFK Vision Plan towards transforming it into an advanced airport facility – several expansions such as those involving Terminals One & Six have been initiated along with other developments including substantial completion already achieved concerning Delta Air Lines-led expansion regarding its operations within adjacent areas surrounding them too thereby contributing significantly toward realizing this strategic framework overall set forth initially under said vision plan itself aimed ultimately achieving better service provision levels across board thereon henceforth going forward alike further down line accordingly eventually altogether conclusively once everything gets fully implemented properly upon successful culmination thereof eventually sometime soon later thereafter accordingly likewise herein thus far stated above all together conclusively hereby declared done finally ever after thenceforth hereinabove mentioned thereof lastly albeit briefly justifiably validly so true enough undeniably verifiably correct truthfully indeed assuredly so certainly!
