New York JFK International Airport Terminal 4 developer and operator JFK IAT, LLC has reported the most successful year ever for its concessions programme, with a 15% year-on-year increase in sales for its retail and

food and beverage sectors.

JFK IAT says that strong contributors to this growth included a record high of 3.8m passenger enplanements – a rise of 19% on 2005 – alongside commercial development plans by Terminal 4?s major retail partners, including DFS Group, ARI/Sardana and Hudson News to expand shops, renovate existing stores and further develop current retail offerings.

In a statement, JFK IAT said: ‘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.’

In other developments at T4 JFK IAT extended its lease agreement with the Hudson Group until 2013, enabling the company to undertake a $2.5m renovation of its 7,500sq ft Hudson News, located in the centre of the Terminal 4 retail concourse. This store now serves as the flagship in the Hudson News chain.

JFK IAT said: ‘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 also marked the opening of a new Bijoux Terner store, which the company expects, 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 now joins the 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.?

Rounding out the other commercial successes for 2006 was the addition of a Sharper Image corner, a new line of Liz Claiborne accessories, a fun chocolate-fest of Hershey products, a new Ports of Call souvenir shop, and the addition of Wok ?n Roll restaurant to the food court.

?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,? said 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.?

With more than 100,000sq ft of public access space, the equivalent of four city blocks, the T4 pre-security retail area is one of the largest in any airport in the US.

Shops at Terminal 4 include: DFS; Hudson News; Books and Souvenirs; Christmas in New York; Discover New York; The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Ports of Call Souvenir and Accessories.

Runway Retail includes Runway Beauty; Runway Delight Runway Exclusive featuring Herm?s, Ferragamo, Zegna. Runway Fashion features Hugo Boss, Guess, Runway Toys, Runway Voyager, Bijoux Terner, Fossil Watches and Accessories, Tie Rack, Swarovski, Silver Collection, Spellbound Music Express, and XpresSpa.

The food establishments operated by Creative Host Service include: Au Bon Pain, Bar Avion, Caffe Ritazza, Cucina Express, KFC, McDonald's, Sam Adams Bar & Grille, Sbarro?s, Shannon?s Bar, The Brooklyn Ale House, and Wok ?n Roll.