CHINA. China Duty Free Group (CDFG) today officially launched its new duty-free shops at Shanghai Pudong International and Shanghai Hongqiao International airports, the first phase of what the travel retailer pledged will be a comprehensive upgrading of the shopping experience at the city’s dual international hubs.
The stores are being run on a joint venture basis between CDFG (51%) and Shanghai International Airport Co (49%).
As reported, CDFG was awarded the eight-year (five plus three) duty-free concessions for Pudong’s Terminal 2 and S2 Satellite Hall and Hongqiao’s Terminal 1 on 16 December. CDFG replaces its 51% subsidiary Sunrise Duty Free (Shanghai) Co, which did not bid.
Global travel retail powerhouse Avolta, bidding as Dufry (Shanghai) Commercial Co, was awarded the departures and arrivals duty-free concession for the international areas of Terminal 1 (T1) and Satellite Hall 1 (S1) at Shanghai Pudong International Airport in the same tender. Click here for our coverage of the company’s opening today.
An opening ceremony today for the Pudong Airport business was graced by Wang Haimin, Chairman of CDFG parent company China Tourism Group and Shanghai Airport (Group) Co Chairman Feng Xin, who jointly unveiled the landmark new business alongside fellow representatives of both companies.
Wang and Feng were accompanied by Shanghai Airport (Group) Co President Zhou Hao and Fan Yunjun, General Manager of China Tourism Group Co and Chairman of China Tourism Group Duty Free Co.
In a WeChat post today, CDFG said some boutique duty-free shops have already opened, offering travellers a “refreshing” experience. “A richer line-up of brands and more comprehensive commercial spaces will be unveiled gradually,” CDFG commented.
CDFG (Shanghai) Duty Free Co Chairman and General Manager Yang Hongyi stated, “In the future, CDFG Shanghai Airport Duty Free Shop will undergo a renovation and upgrade, adding over 150 new brands and more than ten sub-categories, while comprehensively optimising the store environment, aiming to enrich the duty-free shopping experience for travellers.”
CDFG described duty-free shopping as a key indicator for measuring the comprehensive service capabilities and commercial value of a modern international hub airport.
“With the completion of a crucial change in operating entities and a complete overhaul of the core duty-free businesses at Shanghai’s two major international airports, a broader and deeper duty-free shopping network is gradually unfolding, creating a more attractive duty-free commercial space for rebounding international routes and travellers,” the company commented.
CDFG highlighted the collective strengths of its global supply chain system, deep operational management experience, and long-term and stable partnerships with approximately 1,600 renowned brands worldwide.
By leveraging these capabilities, CDFG said will deliver a richer international brand portfolio, a more stable supply of rare and sought-after brands, and more competitive pricing.
Simultaneously, by optimising store layout, digital services, and themed promotions, the company will significantly enhance the convenience, comfort and sense of discovery for travellers – thereby comprehensively enhancing the commercial attractiveness and consumer experience of Shanghai’s international aviation hubs,” CDFG added.
The initial range features almost 1,000 products across categories including imported fragrances & cosmetics, alongside premium domestic and international tobacco and liquor brands.
The offer includes globally renowned brands including Estée Lauder Guerlain, Hennessy, Jo Malone, Kweichow Moutai La Mer, La Prairie, Lancôme, Martell and The Macallan, bringing consumers a diversified high-end consumption experience, CDFG observed {story continues following the communication below}.
To celebrate this milestone in its history, CDFG in partnership with Shanghai Airport, is offering travellers double shopping privileges. From today (1 January) to the end of the month, all products (excluding certain brands) will enjoy double CDFG member points.
Additionally, discounts can be applied to qualifying purchases. Customers spending less than RMB3,000 (US$430) in a single transaction will enjoy a -4% discount, while purchases of RMB3,000 or more will unlock a -10% saving.
Those spending RB6,000 (US$860)or more will receive a -15% rebate. With these combined offers, customers can enjoy up to -13% off, enjoying a high-value shopping experience, CDFG said.
Yang Hongyi added: “A diverse range of products await exploration, and a variety of benefits are worth seizing. Looking ahead, CDFG will use this as a starting point, leveraging Shanghai Airport as a world-class transportation hub, to create continuously evolving and upgraded consumer experiences for travellers.
“We aim to make duty-free shopping not just a simple consumption activity, but a pleasant, exclusive and valuable highlight of your journey.” ✈
