CHINA.Today, 13 February, is a red-letter day for China Duty Free Group (CDFG). In a richly atmospheric opening ceremony, the country’s dominant travel retailer officially unveiled its departures and arrivals duty-free stores in Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3.
Themed ‘Heavenly Horse Brings Fortune, China Duty Free Embarks on a New Journey’, the ceremony ushered in what CDFG described as a comprehensive duty-free shopping experience, bringing travellers a modern and refreshed commercial environment and atmosphere.
As reported, CDFG secured the T3 concession after an open tender for Beijing Capital International Airport’s twin duty-free contracts (including T2, awarded to Wangfujing Duty Free). Both businesses were formerly run by Sunrise Duty Free (China) Co, 51% controlled by CDFG.
The opening was graced by Fan Yunjun, General Manager of China Tourism Group Co and Chairman of China Tourism Group Duty Free Co; and Du Qiang, General Manager of Capital Airports Holding Company Limited.
They were joined by Liu Kun, China Tourism Group Co Vice General Manager and Vice Chairman of China Tourism Group Duty Free Co; and Li Hong, Vice General Manager of Capital Airports Holding Company Limited.
The quartet jointly unveiled the CDFG operation, marking what the travel retail powerhouse called a new stage in the development of duty-free commerce at the Chinese capital city’s main international hub.
Representatives from both sides attended the ceremony, witnessing this important moment through traditional rituals such as a lion dance eye-dotting ceremony and the ‘picking greens and sending blessings’ observance.
CDFG said duty-free shopping is a significant reflection of the service capabilities and commercial value of international hub airports.
“With the arrival of China Duty Free Group, the duty-free shopping area of Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3 is focused on upgrading the shopping experience and extending its services,” CDFG said.
“This will create a new landmark in aviation commerce and further showcase the gateway’s consumer appeal as a major multi-modal hub in the Asia Pacific region, providing global travellers with a higher-quality and more convenient duty-free shopping experience.”
The company pledged to leverage its global supply chain system and partnerships with approximately 1,600 internationally renowned brands to bring a richer product matrix, a more stable supply of high-end goods, and a more competitive pricing system to Terminal 3.
Through engaging store design, digital membership service and immersive shopping experiences, CDFG said it aims to enhance the comfort, sense of exploration and ritual of the consumer shopping experience.
The first batch of dedicated counters for fragrances, cosmetics and liquor features leading domestic and international brands such as Estée Lauder, La Mer, La Prairie, Guerlain, Guojiao 1573, The Macallan and Martell.
The initial offer embraces over 1,000 best-selling products to meet the diverse and high-quality consumption needs of travellers, CDFG said.
To celebrate the opening, CDFG launched the ‘Horse Treads on Fortune at CDFG’ themed event.
From now until 29 March, all cosmetics and perfumes are up to -40% off, and beverages and food are up to -15% off.
During the promotion, registered members of China Duty Free Group can earn double points, with a maximum of 400 points per person per day. {Main story continues following the communication below}
China Tourism Group Duty Free Corporation Vice General Manager and CDFG (Beijing) Duty Free Co Chairman and General Manager Wang Yanguang said, “We will focus on the entire travel process, continuously optimise our product structure, enrich our brand offerings and improve service quality, striving to provide domestic and international travellers with a more convenient, high-quality and personalised duty-free shopping experience.”
CDFG said it will leverage Beijing Capital International Airport T3 as a key hub, bolstered by the terminal’s continuous increase in international routes.
The company will work with the airport to upgrade the duty-free shopping experience, contributing to Beijing’s development as an international exchange centre.
“Passengers transiting through Beijing Capital International Airport T3 are encouraged to stop by the CDFG Capital Airport Duty Free shop to explore global brands, enjoy opening privileges and embark on a duty-free shopping journey that blends the charm of the capital with international quality,” the retailer concluded. ✈
