In partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and American Airlines, JFK T8 Innovation Partners is looking to partner with local retail businesses that aspire to test their concept in the airport marketplace as part of its $125 million commercial program underway in Terminal 8 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), the operating entity of JFK T8 Innovation Partners, is seeking Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the opportunity to operate one of two 175 sq. ft. retail spaces at Terminal 8 through its Local Small Business Retail Accelerator program. These opportunities are reserved for founders or businesses from Southeast Queens, Greater Queens, the NYC Metro Area, or the NY Regional area.

The Accelerator program lowers the barrier to entry for small, local retail businesses by offering flexible deal terms and small format, plug-and-play spaces that enable reduced upfront and design costs and smaller security deposits. It allows these businesses to participate in a competitive process to test their concepts in the airport and offers support to new businesses through education and networking.

“Through our concessions outreach sessions, we have been helping small, local businesses and entrepreneurs prepare for the chance to operate in T8 and are thrilled to announce this first opportunity,” said Ashley Hari, URW Director of Leasing. “The Queens community has always been at the forefront of our T8 vision. To be able to move forward and start getting these businesses in place and help them succeed is very exciting. We can’t wait to hear from this vibrant community.”

T8 Partners is seeking partners who have products in one of the following categories: Kids/Baby, Beauty, Health & Personal Care, Home, Household Essentials, Pets, Toys, Accessories, Clothing or Entertainment, Services, Pre-Packaged: Foods, Confection, Gifts. Per Department of Health regulations, the units will not be suited for food preparation or fresh food or beverage sales.

They also are looking for partners who have been in operation for a minimum of three years and sell direct-to-consumer online, in specialty stores or have a limited brick-and-mortar presence (less than 3 stores.)

All bidders will have the opportunity to ask questions to assist with your response during the virtual LBE Retail In-Line Store Accelerator RFP Q&A on Dec. 19 from 2-3 p.m. ET. Registration is available here.

The deadline for proposals is Friday, Feb. 16 at 4 p.m. ET. Learn more at www.thenewjfkt8.com.

Featured image credited to Jason Rabinowitz