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T Galleria by DFS Guam features the new branding following an extensive two-year upgrade |
MICRONESIA. DFS Group has introduced its T Galleria by DFS brand to its downtown operations in Guam and Saipan, bringing what it calls “the next phase in the evolution of luxury travel retail” to its Micronesian stores.
The launches follow the completion of a two-year store upgrade in Guam, with a similar project to start in Saipan next year.
In T Galleria Guam, DFS has introduced its first-ever multi-brand concept dedicated to cutting-edge travel-wear and accessories, presenting a curated selection of the latest products from across DFS’s broad portfolio of brands.
DFS Group President Global Merchandising Harold Brooks said: “The vision behind the new facility was to create a space exclusively focused on offering the latest and most interesting products for life on the go. We also wanted make it easier for customers to discover new brands and to shop across brands in key categories.”
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Vibrant new interiors on display at the rebranded T Galleria Guam by DFS |
The men’s section is focused on luggage and carry-ons, including totes, slim briefcases and cross-body bags. Extensive selections of unique phone cases, bracelets and coin purses are also on offer.
Luggage and carry-ons also feature prominently in the women’s section, along with accessories from established and niche contemporary brands including DVF, Jack Spade and Rebecca Minkoff.
DFS Group Managing Director Mid-Pacific Lynette Johnson said: “Arranging products in this way introduces a sense of discovery to the shopping experience. That’s what T Galleria by DFS is all about; providing the experiences, indulgences and adventures to fuel discovery in ways that make sense for travellers.”
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DFS Chairman and CEO Philippe Schaus receiving traditional gifts from Eloy S Inos, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Saipan (above) and with Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo in Guam (below) |
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The relaunch of both stores has been supported by community initiatives in each market.
In Guam, DFS worked with the Island Beautification Task Force to designate ten bus-stops as “˜T-Stops’. It invited local non-profit organisations to decorate the bus-stops, with prizes of US$1,000-5,000 for the three best entries.
“As a global travel retailer, we’ve always sought to tie the destinations where we operate to our in-store offerings,” said Johnson. “The “T-Stop” programme puts that process in reverse by allowing us to bring some of what makes DFS stores special to one of our operating destinations.”
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T Galleria Guam by DFS also unveiled its sponsorship of the 2016 Festival of Pacific Arts as it launched its rebranded store |
In Saipan DFS has supported the creation of Tipiyeew Village, a recreation of an early settlement promoting the indigenous traditions and crafts of the Carolinian and Chamorro people.
DFS invested in the construction of the first two houses in the village. Workshops and demonstrations will feature crafts including canoe building, wood carving, bead-work, Mwar floral arrangements and preparation of local cuisine.
“The site will play an important role in preserving Saipan’s local heritage, which forms a key part of what makes the island such a pleasure to visit for travellers,” said Johnson.
DFS also introduced its “˜T-in-Art’ programme at both locations, working with local artists to create large T sculptures influenced by each artist’s work and inspired by each destination. Five local artists were approached in each destination, with the sculptures subsequently displayed in stores.
DFS Chairman and CEO Philippe Schaus said: “The rebranding and development programme, which we’re bringing to all downtown branches, clearly demonstrates our continued commitment to delighting our key customers through shopping journeys that cater directly to their needs.”
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Three of the five sculptures commissioned by DFS in Guam under the ‘T-in-Art’ programme |
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