CHINA. China Duty Free Group (CDFG) today (3 September) unveiled a breakthrough upgrade to its Shanghai Pudong International Airport operation with the official opening of China’s first airport-based Apple Premium Partner duty-free store.
The opening marks the offline debut of Apple’s 2026 new product collection in China’s airport departures duty-free channel.
The new retail space, branded my StudiO cdf, located in Terminal 2’s international departures hall, is the first of its kind to offer the full range of Apple products with duty-free pricing for travellers, CDFG pointed out.
It delivers an immersive hands-on experience and convenient one-stop purchase journey, the company added.
The travel retailer said the initiative represents a strategic commitment to boost domestic and international consumption, deepening CDFG’s presence in airport shopping and diversifying product offerings to meet evolving traveller demand.
Minimalist tech space: Redefining the airport digital consumption experience
Distinct from conventional airport electronics counters, the new store embraces Apple’s renowned minimalist aesthetic, featuring an open, spacious layout that showcases the full spectrum of Apple hardware.
Outbound travellers can enjoy being hands-on with the latest devices and receive personalised recommendations from trained specialists.
The entire purchasing process, covering product consultation and selection matching through to payment and pick-up, is seamlessly integrated within the departures zone.
“This brand-exclusive experiential space transforms the airport duty-free store from a mere transit stop into a vital touchpoint connecting premium technology brands, professional service and traveller demand, redefining the boundaries of airport duty-free retail,” CDFG said
Instant new product availability and duty-free savings
As consumer expectations evolve, CDFG observed that smart device shopping has shifted from simply ‘getting the product’ to ‘experiencing in person and instant purchasing on the spot’.
For Apple enthusiasts, timely product availability and purchasing convenience have become key decision-making factors, the company added.
Leveraging its status as China’s first airport Apple Premium Partner duty-free store, the shop features what CDFG highlighted as two distinct competitive advantages.
The first is priority access to the latest Apple products immediately upon release – allowing travellers to secure the newest devices before their flights. The second is exclusive duty-free pricing, providing exceptional value on genuine products.
Grand opening promotions: Exclusive surprises for travellers
To celebrate the opening, CDFG unleashed a series of promotions embracing store visits, social media engagement and on-site purchases:
- Lucky Draw Grand Prize: From 3 to 30 September any in-store purchase qualifies for a lucky draw. One winner will be selected on 1 October to receive a blind box valued at RMB10,000 (US$1,488)
- Opening-day Welcome Gift: The first 100 visitors on opening day (3 September) received a custom travel accessory.
- Commemorative Keepsake: Today (3 September), from 10:00 to 18:00, visitors could customise an exclusive 3D raster commemorative card (limited to 200 pieces).
- Social Media Sharing Reward: If they share in-store photos on Xiaohongshu with the designated opening event hashtag, visitors can receive exclusive opening‑themed souvenirs (limited to 500 pieces).
Industry innovation and setting a new premium tech benchmark
By leveraging Pudong Airport’s position as an international aviation hub and integrating Apple’s standardised retail experience in this channel, CDFG said it has broken new ground beyond traditional airport retail categories.
“This initiative offers a replicable, referential model for premium tech brand partnerships in China’s airport retail landscape,” the retailer commented.
“As a leading player in China’s travel retail industry, CDFG remains committed to addressing the diverse needs of international travellers – expanding product portfolios, enhancing on-site service experiences, and actively supporting national initiatives to boost consumption and domestic demand,” it added.
“Looking ahead, CDFG will continue to collaborate with leading global brands, refine its duty-free retail ecosystem, and further broaden the horizons of airport duty-free shopping, delivering richer, higher-quality consumption experiences for both inbound and outbound travelers.
“A new chapter in travel retail begins. And with it, a brighter future is waiting ahead.” ✈
