New joint venture to operate 20,000 square feet of prime specialty retail space at NYC’s busiest terminal
QUEENS, NEW YORK, 2015-4-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — With ambitions toward enhancing the shopping experience for the more than 18 million annual travelers passing through John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 4, LS travel retail North America, a Lagardère Services company, has acquired assets of Saveria USA, Inc. allowing for the operation of 20,000 square feet of prime specialty retail space within the terminal’s retail lounge.
The predominant specialty retail operator at Terminal 4 since 2002, Saveria USA, Inc. was founded by the Sardana family, who will partner with LS in a new JFK Terminal 4 venture moving forward.
“Following Saveria’s many years in Terminal 4 – a premiere travel gateway into New York City – we look forward to working closely with JFKIAT and the Sardana family to take the shopping experience offered to Terminal 4 travelers to a whole new level,” said Dag Rasmussen, Chairman and CEO of Lagardère Services. “By acquiring certain assets of Saveria USA, LS travel retail North America will bring its significant expertise to the benefit of Terminal 4’s concession program and to the millions of passengers who pass through its doors each year.”
Gerry Savaria, President and CEO of LS travel retail North America added, “Terminal 4 at JFK is a model for other airport terminals around the country. We are excited to begin this new part of the Saveria story and are eager to work with JFKIAT for many years to come.”
Terminal 4, operated by JFKIAT, LLC – the only non-airline, privately-operated terminal in the U.S. – is home to 28 airlines and features a host of internationally recognized retail brands. Fitting the needs of every type of potential customer, some of the 17 existing LS/Sardana shops include Tumi, Longchamp, Hugo Boss, Swarovski, Bijoux Terner, and Chocolate and More. LS plans to redevelop an additional 9,000 square feet into new specialty retail shops that will complement the existing offerings at Terminal 4.
“This new partnership with LS travel retail will ensure that Terminal 4 passengers have the most pleasant and efficient travel experience of any airport terminal in New York City,” said Gert-Jan de Graaff, President & CEO of JFKIAT. “With the help of this world-renowned company, travelers from all corners of the globe will continue to enjoy the brands and level of service offered by our tremendous retail partners.
“We thank the Sardana family for the strong partnership and commitment to offering passengers the best retail options and for contributing to JFKIAT’s success.”
Claus Kohlenberger, President of Saveria USA, Inc. added “We have the highest regard for the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by the LS team throughout the journey that led to the execution of this agreement and believe they will be a great fit with the excellent team at JFKIAT. This strong partnership shares a common thread: our passion for travel retail and commitment to serving passengers.”
About Saveria USA
Saveria was founded by the Sardana family in 1990 in Vienna. Saveria USA started in 2002 in JFK International Airport Terminal 4, where it has since significantly increased its presence with the development of licensed boutiques and iconic retails brands, along with proprietary Chocolate & More confectionary stores.
About JFKIAT
JFKIAT, LLC is the operator of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, one of the most active air terminals in the New York area, serving 28 international and domestic airlines with an annual passenger volume of more than 17.1 million travelers in 2014. With an expansion completed in 2014, passengers traveling through Terminal 4 can visit an outstanding selection of new and upgraded restaurants and bars, including world-class eateries, well-known casual dining, healthy options, and food-to-go. Terminal 4′s expansive shopping mall offers an unparalleled shopping experience for travelers with a wide range of retail options from chic, upscale boutiques, to convenience stores, to electronics, accessories and gifts. Terminal 4 is the only air terminal in North America operated by a private management company. JFKIAT, LLC is owned by Schiphol USA Inc., a U.S. affiliate of Schiphol Group. Visit us at www.jfkiat.com.
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