International Shoppes, a family-owned retailer based in New York, has recently launched a new retail program at Honolulu and Kahului airports, featuring a high percentage of merchandise from local vendors. With about 60% of the products being sourced from local businesses, this is the highest share of local vendors at any airport operated by International Shoppes.
The retailer, also known as iShoppes, officially entered the Hawaii market this week with blessing ceremonies at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and Kahului Airport, following their takeover of duty-free and specialty retail operations on April 1. This change came after the Hawaii Department of Transportation awarded International Shoppes and their business partner, Ben Crump Enterprises, a 10-year concession to operate at the airports. This transition marks the end of DFS Group’s 60-year presence in the islands, making it one of the most significant airport retail changes in the state’s history.
The decision to change operators was announced by DFS in January, along with the permanent layoff of 183 employees from its airport stores and Waikiki flagship location. With the closure of its Waikiki store and the winding down of airport operations, DFS cited a decline in international travel, particularly from Japan, and increased global competition.
According to Hawaii Department of Transportation Director Ed Sniffen, this transition is part of a larger effort to modernize airport concessions, enhance the passenger experience, and promote local businesses alongside international brands. Sniffen stated, “We have got $7 billion dollars in projects moving forward, with the diamond head concourse, all of our runways, all of our hold rooms, and all of our shops coming through, to ensure that everybody gets a better experience here.
International Shoppes opened with 173 employees, most of whom were former DFS workers. Retaining experienced local staff was a priority for co-CEO Scott Halpern. State Senate President Ron Kouchi also expressed his support for the new partnership, stating that it helps reduce uncertainty following DFS’s departure and supports long-term improvements to the state’s airport system. Kouchi added that the state “has a long way to go” in terms of building a world-class airport system, but the revenue generated by the shops will contribute to that goal.
Established in 1951, International Shoppes operates duty-free and specialty retail stores at major airports on the mainland, including New York’s JFK, Washington, D. C. ‘s Dulles, Baltimore/Washington International, Hartford’s Bradley and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Co-CEO Matthew Greenbaum stated that the decision to expand to Hawaii was a strategic one, with a focus on utilizing the deep local talent in the area. Greenbaum added, “We don’t chase every opportunity at every airport. It’s got to make sense for us.
As part of the partnership, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump also spoke at the event ahead of stops on