International Shoppes, a Valley Stream-based, family-owned retail operator, has been awarded a duty-free storefront at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 4, marking a significant expansion for one of the few Long Island companies operating in the airport.
The company, founded by two immigrant families and now in its third generation of ownership, operates multiple retail and duty-free locations across major U.S. airports, including JFK, Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, Bradley International Airport in Connecticut and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.
At JFK Terminal 4, International Shoppes now oversees nine retail and duty-free locations.
“To prepare for the opening of these shops, we had a very speedy process of hiring a staff of over 100 people, securing millions of dollars’ worth of merchandise, rebranding all outlets with our company’s logo, deploying all new signage throughout the spaces, getting the spaces merchandised, deploying all new IT assets, including over 30 points of sale and then some,” owner Matthew Greenbaum said. “All of this was accomplished in under 50 days from when we were notified of our award.”
Rep. Laura Gillen, who represents New York’s 4th Congressional District, played a role in advocating for local companies during the selection process.
“When it was brought to my attention that local businesses were at risk of being pushed out of JFK airport in favor of global retailers, I got to work,” Gillen said. “I fought to ensure that local companies providing local jobs would be able to continue their successful operations in a refurbished JFK.”
She met with company leadership and employees and urged airport partners to consider the economic and community impact of awarding contracts to local firms.
Gillen has emphasized that supporting businesses like International Shoppes helps preserve local jobs and strengthens the regional economy. She noted that the company has been part of the Valley Stream business community for more than a decade and has contributed to airport retail operations while maintaining its Long Island base.
According to Greenbaum, the company’s proximity to JFK, along with its long-standing experience in airport retail, positioned it to deliver customized store designs and curated product selections tailored to each terminal. There are ongoing plans to redevelop and modernize the Terminal 4 locations over the coming years, with an emphasis on expanding offerings that include New York-based and locally themed products.
Company leadership also highlighted its Valley Stream headquarters, established in the late 1990s, which has since expanded to include office and logistics facilities supporting airport operations.
“The Village should be proud to know that one of the most renowned and respected airport retailers in the U.S., and might I say worldwide, is based right here in Valley Stream,” Greenbaum said. “We take great pride in our New York roots and understand the wants and needs of the local consumer. Having the support of our local officials is critical, especially when competing with very large foreign and out-of-state operators for these JFK contracts. It means everything to have the support of the community and its representatives.”
Looking ahead, both the company and Gillen said continued support for local businesses will be important in maintaining Long Island’s economic competitiveness, particularly in industries tied to transportation, retail and aviation.
