CHINA. Wangfujing Group has been awarded a contract to operate a pre-departure downtown duty-free store in Changsha, Hunan.
The latest contract is a key extension to the Chinese travel retail ecosystem announced in August last year and implemented progressively over a three-month period from 1 October.
This achievement also marks Wangfujing’s second major downtown duty-free project, building on its successful bid for a similar venture in Wuhan, highlighting the company’s rapid and strategic expansion in travel retail.
Following a competitive bidding process, the retailer officially received the ‘Notice of Transaction’ from the bidding agency on Wednesday (22 January), confirming its role as the operator of the project.
The Changsha duty-free store will be located on the 8th floor of Wangfujing Department Store, a prime area in the bustling Wuyi Square, one of China’s top ten business districts.
The location is known for its high foot traffic and a strong commercial presence, with convenient transportation links and excellent property conditions.
With Changsha Wangfujing Department Store attracting over 12 million visitors annually, the location provides a solid foundation for the success of the duty-free project.
In a bid to create a unique shopping experience, Wangfujing Duty Free has incorporated a Guochao (the growing consumer preference for Chinese brands, artwork and culture) theme into the project. The concept will feature a blend of traditional Changsha cultural elements, such as the Yuelu Academy and Xiang embroidery with modern design.
This innovative approach aims to establish the store as a cultural and commercial landmark that captures the essence of Changsha.
Leveraging its distinctive ‘taxable + duty free’ business model, the retailer aims to enhance synergies between its retail offerings, further elevating the shopping experience.
The project is expected to inject new vitality into Changsha’s retail sector and attract both local and international tourists.
The downtown duty-free store is also set to become a key destination for tourism and shopping, bolstering Wangfujing’s status in the local travel retail sector. ✈
TENDER ALERTThe Moodie Davitt Report is the industry’s most popular channel for launching commercial proposals and for publishing the results. If you wish to promote an Expression of Interest, Request for Proposals or full tender process for any sector of airport or other travel-related infrastructure revenues, simply email Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com. We have a variety of options that will ensure you reach the widest, most high-quality concessionaire/retailer/operator base in the industry – globally and immediately. The Moodie Davitt Report is the only international business media to cover all airport or other travel-related consumer services, revenue-generating and otherwise. Our reporting includes duty-free and other retail, food & beverage, property, passenger lounges, art and culture, hotels, car parking, medical facilities, the internet, advertising and related revenue streams. Please send relevant material, including images, to Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com for instant, quality global coverage. |
