DFS Group is to open an 8,000sq m T Galleria by DFS store in the Cambodian resort town of Siem Reap in early 2016.

DFS believes that its new T Galleria by DFS Angkor will offer an unrivalled luxury shopping experience in the heart of Siem Reap – a provincial capital located close to the ancient temple of Angkor Wat – one the world’s most important cultural heritage sites and a very popular resort town.

Siem Reap is also a strong choice for the new DFS store considering almost 30% of last year’s 4m international visitors – including most of the international cultural tourists – visited the province on arrival into Cambodia in 2013.

The new T Galleria Angkor two-storey complex will comprise more than 8,000sq m within a spectacular Khmer architecture building shared with the Angkor National Museum.

The Museum is already a major attraction, housing some of the country’s most valuable, historical artifacts and it is well located on the main avenue of Charles de Gaulle and easily accessible from every major luxury hotel in the city.

 

 

WITHIN THE DFS STORE…
DFS says that its new store will reflect both contemporary and Khmer architecture and design ‘in an expansive and airy setting’ that will also include a restaurant.

Product ranges on offer will include high fashion and accessories, watches and jewellery, fragrances and cosmetics, plus an appropriate selection of the best available locally handcrafted artisan products.

[Opened on 12 November 2007, the Angkor National Museum covers the golden era of the Khmer Empire, making use of audio-visual multimedia technology. The museum covers Khmer history, civilization and cultural heritage across a total of eight galleries-Ed].

Describing Cambodia as ‘a momentous occasion for DFS’ and one of the world’s ‘most desirable travel destinations’, DFS Group Chairman and CEO Philippe Schaus said Angkor Wat has captured the imagination of world travellers for the last 150 years.

He said: “Today, visitors to the region are from a diverse group of nationalities and are increasingly seeking a unique combination of mysterious exoticism, cultural experience and luxury convenience.  We look forward to welcoming them in this delightful and enchanting location.

“T Galleria by DFS Angkor will be a prime attraction for visitors, particularly in the hottest periods of the day. Visitors will be able to indulge their taste for renowned international luxury brands and local artisanship in pleasant surroundings that pay homage to local culture and design, reflecting the rich traditions of this unique destination.

‘EXPERTLY-CRAFTED & CURATED PRODUCTS…’
“Indeed, as the leader in luxury travel retail, we aim to elevate the experience for our traveling clientele by offering high quality, expertly-crafted and curated products from our partner brands around the world, as well as from Cambodia.”

Cambodia’s tourism market is expected to continue to grow and provide an increasingly large proportion of its overall GDP. As part of this, DFS says it aims to work in close partnership with local organizations and institutions to support the growth of a sustainable economy in this fast emerging market.

Angkor Wat is undoubtedly the jewel in the tourism crown in Cambodia, as well as being one the world’s most important heritage sites.

As the largest religious monument in the world, the temple was built in the first half of the 12th century and has long been regarded as a fundamental symbol of Cambodia – and more recently as the country’s prime tourist attraction.  

Cambodia has also enjoyed a boom in tourism in the last few years as Siem Reap has increasingly played host to a large number of NGOs and other not-for profit organisations – besides thousands of expatriates who call the town home.

 

 

One of the genuine real wonders of the world: Buddhist monks in front of the Angkor Wat Temple [Photo credit: Sam Garza].

 

The following is DFS Group’s own introduction to the proposed design of the new T Galleria by DFS Angkor:

DFS WRITES: As an emerging yet globally recognised cultural destination, Siem Reap is a place where the world traveller can become immersed in ancient history and natural beauty.

To complement this cultural and sensory journey while fulfilling the traveller’s expectations of modern conveniences, DFS is creating a locally inspired lifestyle and retail experience – T Galleria by DFS Angkor.

OUR APPROACH:
From a design standpoint, the aim is to create a contextually relevant journey for the discerning traveller to Cambodia. We have created a sense of place by illuminating local culture and architecturally iconic references wherever possible.

As a central theme, we have chosen to celebrate the many temples throughout the region by selecting local artisans to create one-of-a-kind carvings framed within our main hall columns and focal points. These touches not only showcase local Cambodian artistry, but also serve to define the different retail ‘worlds’ within the Galleria.

The proximity of T Galleria Angkor to the Angkor National Museum reinforces the store’s connection to Cambodia and the mesmerizing history of Siem Reap.

 

 

An artist’s impression of how the new store might look.

 

THE EXTERIOR:
Rather than build a new structure, thereby creating unnecessary noise and disturbance to the local township, DFS Group instead chose an existing building as the site of the T Galleria Angkor store.

The building, located on the main avenue of Charles de Gaulle, will undergo a sensitive and thoughtful refurbishment that reflects the local heritage and represents a balance of traditional Khmer and colonial architecture.

The setting is enhanced by generous landscaping and houses a restaurant overlooking the gardens and reflecting pools.

THE LOBBY AND RECEPTION:
The lobby and main reception areas will be light and bright spaces reminiscent of a colonial hotel or resort foyer, inviting visitors on a relaxed journey through the store. The areas will be embellished with local timber screens carved by local craftsmen.

THE ROTUNDA FAHION HALL:
The circular rotunda space, surrounded by our luxury fashion brands, will feature a three-storey vaulted atrium, in an emulation of traditional Khmer architecture. This airy forum will be the setting for trend statements, pop-up concepts and art installations by Cambodian artists, as well as seasonal displays of local and international products.

THE FRAGRANCE BOUTIQUE AND BEAUTY HALL:
Leaving the rotunda, the visitor will enter the Fragrance Boutique and Beauty Hall, which will offer a selection of the world’s leading scents and skincare products.

The design of the space will be elegant and contemporary, with stone columns featuring panels carved by local artisans in styles reflecting the nearby temples and palaces of Angkor Wat. These will be staged as art installations, with plaques explaining the stories of the temples of Cambodia.

Integrated into the design are elegant glass blades, defining and personalizing each of our brands.
Surrounding the Beauty Hall is a line of boutique spaces serving to further entice the visitor, framed by large open vitrine showcase windows allowing transparency into our brands’ luxurious environments. In the centre of the Beauty Hall, an escalator takes shoppers to the next floor.

THE ATRIUM:
As we ascend the escalator our eyes are drawn upwards to an airy, light-filled vaulted space lined with fine handcrafted timber screens evocative of local Khmer architecture. Contrasting with this strong architectural form is an installation inspired by local monks’ robes, capturing movement in space with rich warm hues.

LUXURY WATCHES AND FINE JEWELERY:
Shoppers are met with a calm and peaceful area that continues the blend of contemporary and traditional art, while offering a stunning display of fine and luxury watches and jewellery. The area is adorned with rich, locally crafted soft textiles based on local weavings, and carved architectural entryways. The tiled floors are based on traditional patterns to maintain authenticity and sense of place.

TRAVEL AND FASHION ACCESSORIES:
Next to the atrium is an open area of Travel and Fashion accessories. The design is simple and understated, reflecting a resort-styled environment that encourages freedom to browse. Our fashion watches and sunglasses are showcased using local timbers on a handcrafted tiled floor, reminiscent of Cambodia’s rich architectural history.

DESTINATIONS:
To complete our guests’ experience, a café welcomes them to the upper level rotunda displaying local destination products and gifts. With a casual yet sophisticated open market feel, the arrangement of merchandise allows local products to stand out in all their vibrant colours and textures and guarantees that there is something for everyone at T Galleria by DFS Angkor.

TRB WRITES: OTHER DUTY FREE ACTIVITY IN CAMBODIA:
The Cambodian market has been a source of renewed DF&TR activity over the last year with Swiss-based travel retailer Dufry doubling its retail space to 1,670sq m at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap international airports, while gaining a contract extension until 2020.

The China Duty Free Group has also announced that it is opening its first 4,500sq m store in Cambodia at Angkor on December 30.

It claims this will be the most luxurious department store in the country offering retail prices ‘no higher than Hong Kong and Thailand duty free’. It is also planning to open a second duty free store in Phnom Penh in October 2015.

[click here for more details: http://www.trbusiness.com/index.php/regional/asia/16071-dufry-doubles-space-and-extends-duty-free-contract-in-cambodia.html]

[click here for more details: http://www.trbusiness.com/index.php/regional/asia/16452-china-duty-free-group-cdfg-makes-price-promise-for-first-cambodian-store-at-angkor.html]

[TOP IMAGE: The Angkor National Museum. Photo credit: Jensre].