DFS Group Chairman and CEO Benjamin Vuchot has hailed the ‘unparalleled’ shopping opportunity available to guests at the new downtown DF&TR complex at Hainan island’s popular Haikou Mission Hills resort.

Shenzhen Duty Free and DFS, which in December won a licence to operate an offshore duty free shop, inaugurated the first phase during an opening ceremony held yesterday (31 January).

The partners are set to open more than 30,000sq m in stages over the next two years at a complex that will feature the largest beauty hall in DFS’ global network.

Benjamin Vuchot, DFS Group Chairman and CEO said: “The collaboration between DFS and Shenzhen Duty Free provides an unparalleled opportunity for visitors to Hainan to experience international luxury retail in one of China’s most popular holiday destinations. We look forward to creating a new world of exciting products and experiences for customers in Hainan.”

OPENING CEREMONY

DFS and Shenzhen Duty Free bring more than 100 years’ combined expertise in duty free retailing, with the latter (founded in 1980) boasting an in-depth understanding of the China domestic market.

The new store presents customers with an initial assortment of fashion, beauty, watches and jewellery items, with more product collections to be added in subsequent phases.

Complementing the merchandise offer is ‘The World in a Day’, a tour that captivates shoppers’ imaginations using elements from DFS gallerias in locations such as Venice, Paris, Sydney and Macau.

Jiangwei You, Secretary of the Group Party Committee, Chairman of the Group, Shenzhen State-Owned Duty Free Commodity Group added: “As a responsible state-owned enterprise for over 40 years, Shenzhen Duty Free Group actively responded to the call for development of the Hainan Free Trade Port to help overcome the business difficulties created by the pandemic.

“We are proud to participate in this historic opportunity to grow the duty-free industry together with domestic and foreign counterparts.”