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The new 26,000sq ft outlet under construction at Peace Arch border crossing will specialise in liquor, featuring a dedicated area for Cognac, beers and tasting bars catering to Asian tourists. Cutting: © Peace Arch News |
CANADA. Construction has begun on a new duty free store at the Peace Arch border crossing.
The operator, Peace Arch Duty Free, expects the shell to be handed over by the end of March for the interior finishing to begin. “The projected opening date is still on track for the first week of May 2006,” said Kathy Holmes, Executive Assistant & Coordinator of Canadian Duty Free Group Inc and Peace Arch Duty Free.
The new outlet will specialise in liquor sales, with more than 30% of the 26,000sq ft space dedicated to wines and spirits. It will feature a dedicated area for Cognac, international beers and tasting bars catering to Asian tourists.
Company President Peter Raju said traditional duty free items, such as fragrances and jewellery, will also be carried.
The Peace Arch crossing is one of Canada’s busiest, with more than two million cars and five million travellers a year. It is also claimed to be one of the most lucrative duty free locations in the country. But the crossing has been without a shop since December 2000, when Heritage Duty Free closed down.
In 2003 the federal government granted Michael Beler a licence to open a store there. A temporary store began trading but a long-term agreement could not be struck. The land is owned by Semiahmoo First Nation.
Raju has 20 years remaining on his lease.
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