CHINA. China Duty Free Group (CDFG) officially opened the first phase of its new departures duty-free environment in Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Terminal 3 on 26 January.
The opening of eight stores followed CDFG’s capture last year of a ten-year contract at the Guangdong gateway, covering the new T3 international departures hall.
CDFG said the project “establishes a new commercial landmark for South China’s aviation hub”.
Serving as the commercial pillar of T3, eight stores have been inaugurated, with space to reach 1,600 by the end of 2026. Remaining spaces will be opened in line with the recovery of international passenger traffic, the retailer added.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior executives, including Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Co Vice President Qi Yaoming and China Tourism Group Duty Free Corporation’s Retail Operation Center General Manager Zheng Hao, alongside other key officials.
The store hosts over 200 global brands and blends cultural elements of South China with contemporary design to create “a premium retail destination offering luxury products, cultural immersion and convenient services”, CDFG said.
CDFG said the store’s design breaks away from the limitations of conventional airport commercial space by embracing the strategy of ‘layered categorisation and precise engagement’. It integrates with the terminal’s ‘aviation +’ model designed to create a diversified ecosystem and an immersive lifestyle space.
Thoughtfully arranged open makeup counters, elegant lounges and smart amenities help travellers explore the offer, added the retailer.
The store features beauty, spirits, fashion and food, making it one of South China’s most brand-diverse airport locations, added CDFG. The beauty section carries prestige houses, such as Lancôme and Estée Lauder, while customers can find international and domestic brands, such as Hennessy to Moutai, in the spirits zone, which includes a rare editions section. Other highlights include Gucci and Dior sunglasses and Godiva chocolate.
CDFG added that it will continue refining the product portfolio, expanding high-value offerings and enhancing member marketing at the store.
To celebrate its opening, the store has launched an array of promotions, including discounts on cosmetics (-15% off for two items, -25% off for four), -10% off all premium sunglasses, and a CNY30 (US$4.30) discount on food purchases over CNY258 (US$37.10).
In addition, select whiskies and Chinese liquor are up to -40% off and Cognacs up to -35% off, with complimentary exclusive travel sets upon reaching spending thresholds on designated brands.
Future integration with the airport’s membership programme will introduce more benefits such as point redemption and exclusive discounts.
“Baiyun Airport provides 30-minute access to downtown Guangzhou and 60-minute coverage of the Pearl River Delta. Leveraging its high-level connectivity and its designed annual capacity of 30 million passengers, our latest duty-free store is poised for ongoing upgrades in products and services,” CDFG said.
“We are committed to building it into an important duty-free consumption hub in the Greater Bay Area, and an appealing platform that showcases South China’s dynamism and cultural confidence.” ✈
