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TAIWAN. Ever Rich D.F.S. Corporation this morning celebrated the Grand Opening of its Duty Free Plaza in Neihu, Taipei at a ceremony attended by dignitaries and industry guests from all around the world.
The opening began a day of celebrations that continues this evening with the company’s 18th anniversary Celebration Ball.
Tonight’s event will also see the unveiling of “˜Ever Rich at 18 – Towards a Bright Future’, a book published by Moodie Corporate that chronicles the company’s history, explores its future and examines its extraordinary commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility.
Ever Rich Duty Free soft opened the flagship store in November. It caters principally for booming visitor arrivals from Mainland China. Taiwan posted a near +49% increase in Mainland visitors last year, a dynamic that is projected to continue in the wake of improved bi-lateral relations and a big increase in direct flights.
The six-storey building (plus three parking levels), shaped in butterfly wing style, has a total floor space of 36,000sq m, half of it dedicated to commercial services. It features a diverse range of duty free products, from alcohol and tobacco to fashion, luxury, beauty, food & confectionery and a high-class Taiwanese products offer.
The Plaza also has a VIP floor, a banquet room for fashion shows and festivities and a convention area. In line with the company’s deep commitment to society, it also features a major emphasis on Taiwanese art and culture. Once purchased, duty free goods can be collected by customers at Taiwan’s international airports upon departure.
At today’s opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting Ever Rich Group Chairman Simon Chiang spoke of his pride in the company’s achievement and of its ongoing commitment to Taiwanese society. He underlined that focus with two major charity donations, NT$3.5 million (US$120,000) to the World Vision Foundation and NT$10,000,000 (US$337,000) to the Taipei Medical University Hospital.
In a lengthy and heartfelt address presented without notes, former Vice President of Taiwan Vincent Siew spoke powerfully and poignantly of Ever Rich’s remarkable development over the past 18 years, praising the leadership and social conscience demonstrated by Simon Chiang.
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The big moment arrives as the ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place |
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Former-Vice President Vincent Siew praised the leadership of Simon Chiang and the contribution of Ever Rich to Taiwanese society |
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Simon Chiang addresses guests at today’s Grand Opening |
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Simon Chiang with The Moodie Report Chairman Martin Moodie |
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VIPs and guests listen intently to the formal proceedings at today’s opening |
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Many leading brands paid floral tribute to mark Ever Rich’s big day |
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The traditional Lion dance is designed to bring good fortune to the new enterprise |
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(Above and below) Ever Rich Chairman Simon Chiang makes two major donations to charity, in keeping with the company’s outstanding commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility |
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Jonathan Holland of Singapore-based agent Jonathan Holland & Associates, with the Sulwhasoo and Laneige brands from South Korea which he represents in selected travel retail markets |
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(Above and below) These images underline the tremendous array of brands offered by Ever Rich in the new Duty Free Plaza |
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