CHINA. Hainan Development Holdings-owned Global Premium Duty Free (GDF) Plaza has posted a strong first-quarter performance with sales volumes surging by 252% year-on-year.
The number of shoppers rose by +360% over the same period last year while the total of duty free items purchased grew by +200% year-on-year.
Despite facing serious challenges related to the COVID-19, pandemic, which has simultaneously hit the tourism market and supply chain logistics, GDF Plaza has continued to make impressive progress.
In particular, the company has expanded its online sales channels through Douyin livestreaming shopping since March as a new retail platform and to tap into greater travel consumer consumption potential.
A company spokesman revealed that GDF has also launched a ‘Super Weekend’ themed event featuring attractive offers ranging up to -50% off selected items every weekend.
GDF Plaza has also issued shopping vouchers and credit card benefits to further attract consumer spending.
In addition to continuously introducing new pop-up stores, new products and offering promotional incentives, GDF Plaza has stepped up its emphasis on high-quality service, helping to attract and retain many loyal customers and members, the company said.
Speaking at the store in downtown Haikou, tourist Ms. Chen said: “Offshore duty free shopping is one of my prime motivations to travel to Hainan, and GDF Plaza offered attractive product incentives for customers like me. The shopping environment, product quality and service here are also very impressive.”
Commenting on the move into Douyin livestreaming shopping, GDF Plaza said that the platform not only offers contact-less shopping, but also solves the flights and traffic problems caused by COVID-19.
The GDF Plaza spokesperson said: “Our new retail channels such as Douyin livestreaming shopping have been welcomed and favoured by consumers.
“It is not only convenient and fast, but the pictures and functions of products can also be shown to customers during the livestreaming. That’s why we have achieved such positive sales volume so far.
“As for the next steps, we’ll optimise our procurement process to attract more new global brands and introduce more ‘first stores’ in GDF Plaza and Hainan Free Trade Port to meet customers’ various shopping demands.
“We will also continue to launch different themed activities and offer more incentives to benefit our consumers.”
Footnote: Every fortnight The Moodie Davitt Report publishes Hainan Curated, in association with Foreo, a selection of all recent stories from the offshore duty free sector in Hainan province.
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