Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Strange Nature gin from New Zealand, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.
CHINA. Today’s choices, courtesy of DFS Group, come from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport Terminal 3A. They portray a landmark occasion yesterday (3 September) when the new DFS Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport Boutiques at the Chongqing domestic terminal and the Starry Galleria (of which the DFS offer forms an integral component) were officially inaugurated
DFS China President Nancy Liu is pictured second from left in the photo below, flanked (left) by Changi Airport Group* CEO Lee Seow Hiang and leaders from Chongqing Airport Group, Singapore Changi Airport Management and Investment Company and Sino-Singapore Chongqing Airport Commercial Management Co.
This is a seminal moment in DFS’s 63-year history, the first concession the travel retailer has won on the Chinese Mainland and its debut duty paid retail operation in a Chinese domestic terminal.
The DFS boutiques (including a sunglasses store opened in January) occupy some 2,000sq m of retail space offering 33 brands with three more to follow – Jimmy Choo, Longchamp and Tissot.
“Our name is synonymous with trust and excellence in the airport retail space,” Ms Liu said. “In the future we will work hand in hand with our strategic partners to create new retail legends and look forward to working more closely with them to further enrich the travel retail shopping experience for consumers and fulfil our mission across both the duty paid and duty free sectors in China.”
The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie was on location for this landmark day. Look out for his report and extensive photo gallery later today. 
*Note: In January 2019 Changi Airports International (CAI) and Chongqing Airport Group (CAGC) announced a partnership to develop the non-aeronautical business at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, part of wide-ranging Chongqing Connectivity Initiative between Singapore and Chongqing. CAI holds a 49% stake in the joint venture and CAGC 51%.
