The Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC) confirmed today that DFS Group has won ‘its first master duty-free and general merchandise concession’ which was tendered last June.

 

This covers the development and operation of duty-free operations at SCC’s HarbourFront and the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminals for the next five years (from 1 April 2017) and includes a two-year optional extension clause.

 

It also takes into account a significant reconfiguration of the main retail space at the arrival and departure areas of its terminals, where area is being expanded ‘to about 6,000sq ft’.

 

As the SCC says, this is the first time it has consolidated several separate contracts for existing duty-free concessions across six categories, including liquor and tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics, fashion and travel accessories and confectionery concession into a single contract.

 

DFS WILL OPERATE ALL THE SCC DF SHOPS FROM NEXT APRIL

DFS currently operates the departure-transit and arrivals transit shops, while the SCC’s Ocean Duty Free outlets are operated by Heinemann Asia Pacific.

 

Commenting on the decision to consolidate all these retail activities into one umbrella contract under a single operator, the SCC said: “The selected single duty free operator [will] be able to maximise space productivity by offering an optimal mix of merchandise to meet customers’ needs, focusing on categories with higher yield, as well as enjoying economies of scale from lower cost with a wider range of offerings.”

 

Adding her comments, Christina Siaw, the CEO of SCC said: “SCC is delighted by the interest in our duty free and general merchandise concession, which attracted participation from the world’s leading international duty-free concession operators.

 

 

SCC ‘IMPRESSED’ WITH DFS BID

“We were highly impressed with the passion, innovation and attention to detail demonstrated by participants in the tender proposal and interview stages. We thank all companies who participated for putting in the time and effort.

 

“After a thorough evaluation process, we have decided to award the concession to DFS and congratulate its team for putting together the most compelling proposition.

 

“Passengers at our terminals will soon see a raft of exciting retail offers, including more shop space, an enticing new store concept, as well as new brands, marketing activities and services to enhance their shopping experience.”

 

As part of this, the SCC adds that DFS will deliver ‘a seamless, one-stop and interactive shopping experience across seven outlets at SCC’s terminals for travellers visiting and departing from Singapore by sea.

 

 

These statistics relate to 2015-Ed.

 

A NEW SENSE OF PLACE DESIGN CRITERIA…

The newly-awarded master concession will also expand DFS Group’s presence to serve the 6.3m-plus ferry passengers and 560,000 cruise passengers that SCC says pass through its terminals annually.

 

The SCC adds that DFS will now commence a phased renovation of its outlets and introduce a revamped design inspired by the traditional seafront buildings that are located along Singapore’s coastline. This will be aimed at giving travellers ‘a welcoming and unique shopping experience’ which the SCC hopes will reflect Singapore’s culturally-rich heritage.

 

The offer will also include ‘unique products from over 150 brands, new food and whiskey tasting stations, and new e-commerce, collection and home delivery platforms’.

 

Commenting on the new development, Tim DeLessio, DFS Group’s President Global Store Operations, said: “DFS Group is proud to have grown with Singapore Cruise Centre throughout the past two decades to create a luxurious travel retail experience unique to the cruise and ferry business.

 

“Through our strong partnership, we have built a hub for both Singaporeans and visitors alike to enjoy best-in-class retail offerings as they travel to and from this wonderful city. We are confident that together we will reach new heights.”

 

For more information from TRBusiness’ earlier reports on this tender process, click here: http://www.trbusiness.com/regional-news/asia-pacific/singapore-cruise-contract-award-expected-in-january/112717