The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport is setting a new standard for duty-free shopping, blending the best in luxury with one-of-a-kind experiences, all brought to life by a joint venture team that includes first-time duty-free partners bringing a wealth of experience to the program.
Susan Prevost, President and Founder of Prevost Consulting Group,is one of five joint venture partners collaborating with Duty Free Americas to create Skyline Duty Free by Duty Free Americas at the New Terminal One, a first-of-its-kind retail experience. The bespoke brand will span nearly 20,000 square feet, featuring a flagship store along with four additional duty-free locations throughout the terminal developed and operated by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports.
Susan is no stranger to travel retail, with more than 30 years of industry experience. She began her career with a leading international retailer specializing in the luxury sector, which had a history of success as a global airport operator.
It was there that she first gained experience working with high-end retailers, a foundation that has now come full circle with her involvement in Duty Free Americas (DFA) at the New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Her first investment in duty-free shops with DFA is helping to create a shopping experience that showcases iconic global brands alongside artisanal products from New York City and Queens.
“DFA has assembled a team of joint venture partners who bring not only deep experience but also a shared enthusiasm for creating the first-of-its-kind duty-free program in the U.S.,” said Ian Carter, URW VP at JFK. “Susan’s curiosity and passion for airport concessions are unmatched. With partners like DFA, we are building strong teams that will deliver a program destined to exceed expectations.”
Susan founded her own company in 2010 and earned her Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) certification two years later. Since then, she has built a reputation for delivering premium retail, food and beverage, and service experiences in airports across the country.
Though her portfolio spans multiple markets, Susan is quick to point out that no two airports are alike. Each one has its own passenger base, and character, and truly understanding those differences is key to success.
“For someone new to the industry, start with your local airport’s small business and diversity office,” she said. “Introduce yourself, ask about the process to get your ACDBE certification, and make it a point to attend outreach meetings and industry conferences. This business is all about relationships. Show up, be gracious, follow through, and doors will open.”
Susan is eager to draw on her experience with luxury goods while expanding her knowledge of other areas of duty-free from liquor, beauty, and fragrance while also contributing to the next wave of experiential retail DFA is unveiling at the New Terminal One.
