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The 26,000sq ft Peace Arch Duty Free Shop offers “aggressive” duty free savings, says Company President Peter Raju |
CANADA. The new 26,000sq ft Peace Arch Duty Free Shop, located at the Peace Arch border crossing in British Columbia, opened its doors for business this week.
The site, located at the Peace Arch-Douglas Crossing in Surrey, British Columbia, was without a full-scale duty free shop since 2000 when the former Heritage Duty Free Shop’s lease expired with the Semiahmoo First Nations Indian Band.
“The new C$11 million facility will help boost cross-border tourism and leave a lasting impression for visitors using the Peace Arch Crossing,” said Peace Arch Duty Free Company President Peter Raju. “The retail area of the store is approximately 18,000sq ft and the interior features indoor fountains, gardens, hand-painted murals and 20ft high ceilings. It is built in a park-like setting, with beautifully landscaped gardens, water fountains and sitting areas, making this site a destination in itself.”
Apart from specialising in liquor, perfume and cigarettes, the store will also carry world-class branded products including designer leathergoods, jewellery and watches, all offering duty free savings.
Raju said the upscale store added glamour and value to duty free shopping. The store, which is “built like a Holt Renfrew [top Canadian department store] with Wal-Mart prices”, will provide a new shopping experience, he added.
Aggressive pricing policy, big challenges
The company plans to be aggressive in its pricing, according to Raju, guaranteeing 30-50% savings. In addition, effort would be made to provide new and exciting products in all categories.
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Peace Arch Duty Free Company President Peter Raju: “The new C$11 million facility will help boost cross-border tourism and leave a lasting impression for visitors using the Peace Arch Crossing.” |
Although Raju said he was excited about opening one of North America’s most prestigious duty free shops, he admitted there could be a bumpy road ahead. “We’ve got challenges – the Canadian Dollar is almost at par, and there is the US passport issue” – the latter requiring all travellers to carry passports by 2007. “Considering more than two million cars and five million people pass through the Peace Arch Crossing annually, making this spot one of the most lucrative in Western Canada, the dollar and passport issues could have serious implications,” he said.
The store, located on the Semiahmoo First Nations land, will give the Band over C$40 million during the course of the 20-year lease. Raju, who has been planning to open a store at this site for over five years, said he was prepared for the new challenges and was “extremely pleased” to provide the new facilities to the Semiahmoo First Nations while giving a positive and lasting impression to visitors.
Raju, who also owns Richmond-based Canadian Duty Free Group, has been a supplier to the duty free industry for over 20 years and claims the new Peace Arch Duty Free Shop will be in a class of its own with International flair.
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