US. The Fairn & Swanson (F&S) retail subsidiary Baja Duty Free will open a new 6,500sq ft (604sq m) store in Brownsville, Texas, this summer.
F&S has commissioned San Francisco-based Madeline Speers Associates to design the store which will feature a wide selection of spirits, beer, tobacco, perfumery and accessories. The group currently operates stores along the California-Mexico border and a store in Eagle Pass, Texas.
“This new addition to the Baja family is a strategic location,” said F&S vice president of retail Elisa Castro. “We see considerable growth potential for us in this market.”
The new store is part of an ongoing plan by F&S to expand along the Texas border.
Meanwhile the Baja Duty Free loyalty membership card ‘Frequent Buyer’ has expanded to include more supplier-supported discounts, gifts and prizes for regular shoppers.
“Suppliers have been able to share in the success with Baja Duty Free,” commented marketing manager Irene Rojas. “The objective is to reward customers for their loyalty as Baja Duty Free shoppers as well as brand loyal customers.”
During 2003 Diageo (with a Club Cocktail promotion), Future Brands (with Knob Creek) Parfums Givenchy (with Very Irresistible) and Allied Domecq (with Kuya rum) were just some of the suppliers that participated instore with special promotions.
F&S has also announced some new appointments at the start of the year. Veronica Toscano joined the group as retail marketing coordinator in January. Carlos Maggi has been appointed as head of business and development and sales – Latin America. Dan Gabe joined as purchasing supervisor in December 2003.
