China Duty Free Group (CDFG) has opened its first downtown shop in Hong Kong today (20 August).

The opening of the 1,000sq m cdf Beauty outlet, the retailer’s first flagship beauty duty free store in Hong Kong, is an important part of the company’s plan to open downtown stores in cities such as Beijing, Macau, Shanghai, Dalian, Qingdao and Xiamen.

CDFG has already opened downtown shops in Dalian and Beijing, adding to its offshore duty free shops in Hainan at Sanya, Haikou and Bo’ao and enviable network of airports store in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Macau (among others).

PREMIUM LOCATION

Earlier this year, it also won the duty free bid at the new Beijing Daxing International Airport, which is due to open on 30 September.

CDFG said: “Today’s opening has given a new one-stop travel duty free beauty shopping experience to a large group of beauty travellers from around the world.”

Located in the new extension of Citygate outlets at Lantau, near Hong Kong International Airport, the assortment includes Estée Lauder, Lancôme, Cleau de Peau, La Mer, Guerlain, Givenchy, Giorgio Armani, YSL and Tom Ford.

The offer comprises 45 make-up, skincare, perfume and personal care brands, according to the company, which added: “The product selection is rich and diverse, with high-quality products and preferential prices to meet the different shopping needs of consumers.”

CDFG added that the opening of its first downtown duty free store in Hong, along with a further opening in Macau in 2020, will complement its Hong Kong and Macau airports businesses.

“They will inject new vitality into the duty free business in Hong Kong and Macau and set a new benchmark,” the retailer said.

To mark the opening of cdf Beauty, the retailer is offering exclusive merchandise and package offers from brands such as Kiehl’s, Estée Lauder, Shiseido, Fresh and Shu Uemura.

It is also offering a number of limited-time offers. These include complimentary cdf Beauty hand-bags and commemorative badges on purchases of HK$1,200. From now until 26 August, shoppers can obtain savings of HK$100 on UnionPay card payments of HK2,000. Duty Zero by cdf members can enjoy a 10% discount on regular priced items.

Each month, cdf Beauty will select internationally renowned brands and offer them at preferential rates. Regular flash events with different brands will also take place, with Estée Lauder, Lancôme, YSL and Givenchy among the debutants.

Other skincare labels include La Mer, Clé de Peau Beauté, Guerlain, Cosme Decorte, Clarins and Shiseido. Kiehl’s, Fresh, Darphin and IPSA are among the fashion skincare brands on offer. A range of organic essential oils from sensory fragrance brand, Aroma Therapy are also available.

In the make-up shop, customers can try latest makeup products from brands such as Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford Beauty and Mac. Perfume brands available in-store include Jo Malone London and Burberry. Virtual ambassadors (Carole, Donna, Frank and Bella), are on hand to assist with purchases.

CDFG, which revealed two adjacent cdf Beauty shops have also opened commented: “The number of outbound business and leisure travellers has steadily increased. Under the leadership of parent company China Travel Group, CDFG has been keen to open up the market and continuously  meet the consumption needs of outbound passengers.

In recent years, China Tourism Group has played an important role in the overall development of the tax free sector and in its ‘One Belt, One Road’ national strategy. CDFG will continue to leverage its resource advantages with parent company China Travel Group, practice the ‘One Belt, One Road’ development strategy, further develop the tourism retail business in Hong Kong and Macau and strive to make greater progress in terms of overseas market expansion.”