CHINA. Hainan Development Holdings-owned Global Premium Duty Free (GDF) Plaza this week signed a strategic cooperation agreement with renowned international designer fashion brand Karl Lagerfeld.
The agreement was signed during the opening ceremony for the Hainan Development Holdings’ Exhibition Hall – themed ‘Smart Retail, Towards the Metaverse’ – on day one of the second China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou.
Lim Guek Boon (Casey Lim), President of Global Consumer Boutique (Hainan) Trading Co and Karl Lagerfeld Greater China President Qiu Yingping (both pictured below) signed the agreement on behalf of both parties.
The two companies said they will enhance communication and exchanges in the commercial field, sharing business opportunities and cooperation to expand Hainan’s local consumer market.
Founded in 1984 in Paris, France, Karl Lagerfeld has opened more than 500 boutiques around the world, including Paris, London, Munich, New York, Dubai, Shanghai and many other key metropolitan centres. The fashion house also offers high-quality digital operation channels in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, allowing consumers in 96 countries to enjoy a high-quality online purchasing environment.
GDF Plaza said that the signing will help promote the quality and efficiency of Hainan Free Trade Port’s duty free industry, helping to attract further renowned international brands.
The agreement will provide more convenient and high-quality shopping services and experiences for domestic and foreign tourists, in the process creating a new global duty free shopping landmark within Hainan’s Free Trade Port, the company added.
This year, the Hainan Development Holdings’ Exhibition Hall combines science, technology and fashion, with a variety of highlights. The shape of the hall perfectly reproduces the appearance of GDF Plaza, located within the Mova Mall’s Capricorn and Aquarius buildings in downtown Haikou.
In the exhibition hall, visitors and tourists can experience fragrances from Burberry，Chloé, Gucci, Miu Miu, Tiffany, 4711 and other cosmetics and perfume brands from Coty Travel Retail and Eternal Group.
As reported, Swedish wellbeing and beauty tech brand Foreo made its debut on the GDF Plaza stand while L’Occitane, Decorté, Sekkisei and other brands provided gift bags for Expo visitors.
During this week’s Expo, GDF Plaza has made full use of technology to launch an online smart retail exhibition area, a metaverse exhibition area, a livestreaming room and other special exhibition areas.
Visitors can enjoy an immersive shopping experience at GDF Plaza through 3D equipment in the exhibition area, thus realising real-time interaction online and offline.
GDF Plaza said it will leverage the platform of the second China International Consumer Products Expo to negotiate and cooperate with more global luxury brands, while continuing to promote the debuts of more internationally renowned high-end consumer brands. This will help accelerate the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port and reinforce the island’s status as an International Tourism Consumption Centre.
