CHINA/CAMBODIA. China Duty Free Group (CDFG) is rolling out its annual year-end shopping gala on Friday (28 November), spanning 30 stores across the retailer’s Hainan offshore duty-free locations as well other airport, downtown, cruise and online platforms, including Cambodia.
CDFG said Hainan is set to benefit from the updated independent customs regime to be implemented on 18 December. As reported, the new regime will see some 6,600 types of goods (up from the current 1,900) allowed tariff-free into Hainan, covering 74% of all taxable imports – well up on the current 21%. Importantly, liquor & beauty are excluded from tariff-free list.
In line with its enhanced ‘duty-free + tourism’ integration, CDFG promises a landmark year-end shopping campaign under the theme ‘Frenzy Shopping Season’, introducing cultural and entertainment experiences.
Highlights include Mahua FunAge, The Wizard of Oz and modern dance performances across Hainan. Featuring over 100 themed shows and parades, the initiative seeks to establish a regular attraction to drive spending from both Hainan residents and visiting travellers.
Designed to maximise year-end consumer engagement, the shopping gala will feature a major refresh of CDFG’s brand portfolio, unveiling over 100 stores, including debut outlets, product launches and new brand collaborations.
Key activations include pop-up events from top fragrance and cosmetics brands, Hainan’s first Sanrio and branded concept store, and the first Chiikawa branded concept store in Sanya.
Over 30 brands will showcase exclusive, time-limited experiences to meet diverse consumer demands.
The year-end ‘Frenzy Shopping List’ covers over 20 key categories, including beauty, luxury goods, watches, jewellery, consumer electronics and spirits. Combined with omnichannel promotions, it delivers a checklist-guided shopping experience that encourages spending and engagement.
To align with the upcoming ‘customs closure’* in the Hainan Free Trade Port, this year’s shopping extravaganza will feature key thematic events on 18 December.
The programme includes an all-night New Year’s celebration and limited-time lucky draws, immersing shoppers in the festive mood of a tropical island.
The event also features a five-tier gifting programme, designed to deliver multiple benefits, from direct discounts on best-selling products to membership rewards, double points and spend-and-save incentives.
CDFG’s year-end shopping gala highlights the strategic fusion of duty-free retail and tourism, strengthening Hainan’s international profile and supporting the Free Trade Port’s growth. 🏝️
* The ‘customs closure’ or ‘whole-island customs supervision’ model will turn Hainan into a special customs zone with liberalised trade policies between the port and the outside world, while maintaining precise customs management between Hainan and the Chinese mainland {Source: China Briefing}
