WHSmith, a global travel retailer, has announced plans to open six new stores in John F. Kennedy International Airport’s New Terminal One, which opens in 2026. The retailer already operates two stores in JFK’s Terminal 5. The expansion will include the first WHSmith branded store in this New York City airport, along with a number of bespoke store concepts.
WHSmith operates over 50 stores on the East Coast, including locations at Newark and La Guardia airports near New York, as well as Ronald Reagan and Dulles International airports in Washington. In total, the company operates over 1,200 stores across 32 countries, including more than 300 across North America. The contract at JFK will expand WHSmith’s presence across the East Coast and grow the number of passengers the retailer supports.
“Our win in the iconic JFK airport demonstrates growing demand that our world-class travel essentials offer and why North America is our most exciting opportunity for growth,” says WHSmith CEO Carl Cowling. “This is significant for WHSmith North America and our partners, and we are delighted that our leading travel essentials proposition has been selected for the highly anticipated New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport.”
Upon the new award for retail operations at JFK’s New Terminal One, WHSmith will open two own-brand formats that incorporate WHSmith Travel Essentials and Skybound by WHSmith. The company will also debut locally focused store experiences, including The Queens Borough Market and The Canopy. WHSmith says its new stores will all celebrate and promote local suppliers, products and the culture of New York.
As part of this new agreement, WHSmith will collaborate with three Airport Certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partners and will also collaborate with C&E Global Solutions, On-Site Retailers and Love From USA Group to to bring some local products to the shelves for customers and ensure local business partners are at the heart of the operations and offerings to passengers across New Terminal One.
Altogether, the new retail spaces that offer travel essentials in New Terminal One will total approximately 8,400 square feet, according to JFK International Airport. The stores will all offer a diverse, high-quality retail experience that celebrates New York plus an array of first-to-airport national and global brands with shop-in-shop experiences. Some iconic and beloved New York City brands to be featured in these stores include Made in Queens, Magnolia Bakery, Jacques Torres Chocolates and Greyston Bakery. Locally made goods from New York City’s boroughs will feature granola from Queens-based Baked by Noon, art from Johnnerdraws, cookies from Brooklyn Bites, coffees from Transcenden Coffee, handmade soaps from Treestar, drinks from Red Jacket Juices, infusions from Salut, brittle from Brittle & Beyond and caramels from Cobblestone Candies.
“We are prioritizing the customer experience at our airports as the first impression of the New York-New Jersey area for millions of international travelers, so it is vital that our $19 billion redevelopment of JFK includes diverse local businesses from our local community to provide that distinct New York sensibility as travelers move through JFK,” says Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “There is no place like New York, and these local businesses help JFK reflect that unique New York energy as an exciting part of travelers’ memories of their time here.”
Jennifer Aument, CEO of New Terminal One, adds, “As we count down the months to welcoming our first customers, we are thrilled to unveil our travel essentials retail experience designed to elevate the standard for international travel from the iconic city of New York while providing unmatched convenience. From beloved New York brands to exclusive products from local businesses, travelers can look forward to a vibrant shopping experience that captures the energy and creativity of our dynamic city.”
Travelers to New Terminal One can experience the following six new retail concepts:
- WHSmith Travel Essentials - Visitors can explore curated essentials alongside books, magazines and global publications 24/7 at this destination.
- The Canopy - Located in the pre-security departures area, this store and its theme will reflect the vibrant energy of New York through a selection of high-quality luggage and accessories.
- The Queens Borough Market - Open 24/7, this market for travel essentials celebrates New York's architecture and soaring skylines in a space that blends industrial design and natural textures.
- Skybound by WHSmith - This proprietary brand will offer a reimagined take on traditional travel stores through a nod to New York's drama and glamour.
- The Last Stop - Strategically located at the level 1 bus gate in the departures area, this store's design will mirror the nostalgic view through a window of a New York City subway car and offer core travel essentials in a setting that channels the city's underground transit system.
- Las Artes Mercados - Open 24/7 and located on the arrivals level, the store will blend New York fashion with the practicality of a modern bodega, offering travel essentials and grocery options as well.
