DFS Group (DFS) continues its T Galleria rollout with the latest unveiling at its existing downtown location at Naha City, Okinawa – with downtown stores in Guam and Saipan next on the list by mid-2014.

 

Since DFS first unveiled the T Galleria concept in Hawaii in September 2013, seven stores in four locations have been rebranded, in Hawaii, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and now Okinawa.

 

T Galleria’s arrival in Okinawa marks the end of a store upgrade and renovation which also sees the completion of an exclusive members-only Prestige Lounge. The 10,000sq m T Galleria in Okinawa houses more than 130 brands in beauty and fragrances, watches and jewellery, fashion and accessories, and fine spirits. It now also includes a Godiva Café and the Pine Tree Bless restaurant serving international and local Okinawan cuisine.

 

DFS also recently refurbished its stores at Naha Airport’s Domestic Terminal, and opened a new store in Okinawa’s Naha Airport International Terminal building.

 

Philippe Schaus (left), Chairman and CEO, DFS Group, says: “As we unveil T Galleria in Okinawa and celebrate the 10th anniversary of our store, we are also incredibly excited about the future of tourism in Okinawa. Guests will discover that our store offers elevated levels of luxury shopping, iconic brands and products, and the hospitable, personalised service that is so characteristic of Okinawa.”

 

While Okinawa remains the most popular destination among Japanese travellers, the island has also welcomed more international travellers, with the total number of tourist arrivals in 2013 hitting a record 6.41m.

 

REWARDING LOYALTY

Building on its commitment to customer services, DFS has also introduced its rewards programme, Loyal T aimed at establishing DFS as the world traveller’s preferred destination for luxury shopping. Benefits of the four-tier membership include concierge services and multi-lingual personal shoppers. The most privileged members can continue their personal shopping experiences in the privacy of the Prestige Lounge.

 

The highest two tiers of membership – Prestige Diamond and Prestige Ruby – are invited to global events such as the Masters Collection, and can previews and pre-order new arrivals, limited and exclusive brands and products. The Loyal T programme aims to cover over 700 brands in 26 airport and Galleria stores in 10 countries.

 

To commemorate the arrival of T Galleria in Okinawa and its 10th anniversary, famous Japanese actor, director and artist, Yusuke Iseya, has created two ‘T in Art’ sculptures for DFS Group. One of the art pieces was unveiled in Tokyo for public display for three days by the artist and senior DFS executives. The second one will be displayed in the boutique hall of T Galleria Okinawa. Composed of mirrors, the large-scale piece allows viewers to see their reflections from different angles and various positions.

 

Iseya comments: “As a frequent traveller, I have the opportunity to see and experience many different places, people and cultures. At the same time, travel allows me the opportunity for self-reflection, and this is something that I believe is very important.”

 

DFS IN JAPAN

DFS has had a long relationship with the Japanese traveller, starting from the 1960s, when Japan opened up for international travel shortly after the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

 

Through its first store in Hawaii, DFS was among the first travel retailers to welcome the Japanese. The company established a presence in Japan in 1974 when it set up its first after sales office for returning shoppers, which laid the foundations of what would become its 100% worldwide guarantee. In 1992, DFS opened its first airport store through a joint-venture partnership with JAL Duty Free at Tokyo Narita International Airport. In 2004, DFS opened its first downtown Galleria store in Okinawa.