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Tag: HKIA

  • Cainiao-led Joint Venture to Build New Logistics Hub at HK International Airport

    Cainiao-led Joint Venture to Build New Logistics Hub at HK International Airport

    Cainiao Network (“Cainiao”), the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, announced today that it will lead a joint venture to invest approximately US$1.5 billion (approximately HK$12 billion) to build a world-class digital logistics center at Hong Kong International Airport, the world’s busiest cargo airport.

    Cainiao will lead the project through its controlling joint venture with China National Aviation Corporation (Group) Limited and YTO Express. The companies hold a 51%, 35% and 14% stake in the joint venture respectively. With advanced environmental protection standards and state-of-the-art technologies, such as automated warehousing and temperature-control solutions, the center will be put into operation in 2023 with an estimated gross floor area of 380,000 square meters. It will include air cargo processing center, sorting center and order fulfilment center, among other functions. The center will handle tens of millions of parcels every year to meet the surging cross-border e-commerce needs of global SMEs, bringing an incremental cargo volume of approximately 1.7 million tonnes per annum to the Hong Kong International Airport when the center operates in full capacity, and reinforcing the city’s position as a key gateway in the global logistics chain.

    The move forms part of Cainiao’s broader effort to expand and strengthen its global logistics network. Just last week, Cainiao unveiled plans to open five hubs in five cities around the world – Dubai, Hangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Liège (Belgium) and Moscow. The new Hong Kong hub will mark another enhancement to this network. It is also part of Alibaba’s commitment to invest more than 100 billion yuan in an efficient smart logistics network that drives 24-hour delivery in China and 72-hour delivery to the rest of the world.

    “The Hong Kong hub will be yet another milestone on our way to achieving our goal of 72-hour global delivery, and will further empower SMEs locally and globally to more readily tap the benefits of more inclusive globalization through cross-border e-commerce,” said Wan Lin, President of Cainiao Network. “The Hong Kong International Airport has been the world’s busiest cargo airport for many years. As an important gateway for global goods to enter the mainland China market and vice versa, Hong Kong is of strategic importance to Cainiao and we have a strong commitment to help the city address the surging needs of the future.”

    Cainiao already has three Global Fulfillment Centers in Hong Kong which are operated by its partners. As well, Cainiao opened an airfreight route between Hong Kong and Belgium last month. This is its second such international airfreight route specially for e-commerce parcels following the opening of its HangzhouMoscow route earlier this year.

  • Kate Tokyo counter opens at Hong Kong airport

    Kate Tokyo counter opens at Hong Kong airport

    Japan’s Kanebo Cosmetics has partnered with The Shilla Duty Free to open a Kate Tokyo counter in arrivals at Hong Kong International Airport.

    Kanebo says Kate Tokyo aims to establish itself in the global travel retail arena through increased exposure in Asia.

    In Japan, it has the highest sales volume among make-up brands, says Kanebo. Its range includes eye palettes, foundation lipstick and mascara.

    Kanebo brands include Impress, Kanebo and Lunasol.

    Meanwhile, Kanebo has appointed Blue Chip Group as its travel retail sales agent.

  • Hong Kong Airport seeks tenders for cafe concession

    Hong Kong Airport seeks tenders for cafe concession

    F&B companies have been invited to offer tenders for a lifestyle cafe concession in a restricted area at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

    It covers 100sqm on level six of the Northwest Concourse of Terminal 1.

    HKIA has air, sea and land links and works around-the-clock serving more than 100 airlines and 72 million passengers.

    Tenders close on 24 May, and requests for tender documents must be accompanied by a non-refundable cashier’s order of $500.

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  • Hong Kong International Airport Chinese New Year to start Reward Event

    Hong Kong International Airport Chinese New Year to start Reward Event

    To welcome the Year of the Dog, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is launching a series of shopping promotions, including great rewards of HKIA cash coupons worth up to HK$15,000. Instant Rewards Promotion From 9 to 25 February 2018, travellers can redeem and enjoy rewards of cash coupons worth up to HK$15,000 when making purchases by electronic payment at HKIA. Passengers making purchases with their UnionPay cards can enjoy additional rewards.

    To liven up the festive spirit, HKIA’s mascot will tour around in full Chinese New Year costume to meet, greet and take snapshots with travellers. In addition, a lion dance extravaganza will be held on 20 February at retail and catering outlets at HKIA, featuring lion dances and lucky lettuce rituals to celebrate the festivity with travellers.

    Shopping and Dining Offers

    During the promotional period, HKIA will also collaborate with retailers to provide a whole host of fantastic shopping and dining offers.

    Free Delivery Service

    Travellers spending HK$1,000 or more in a single transaction at HKIA can enjoy complimentary local delivery service. Free delivery service to China (for clothing, bags and accessories only), Indonesia, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam is also offered to travellers who spend HK$2,500 or more in a single transaction. For details, please check with the staff at the retail outlets.

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  • Beef & Liberty to take off at Hong Kong airport

    Beef & Liberty to take off at Hong Kong airport

    Burger chain Beef & Liberty will start serving its signature gourmet offering at Hong Kong International Airport from early April.

    Opening in Terminal 1, its restaurant will seat up to 100 diners.

    From Shanghai, where it has three outlets, Beef & Liberty arrived in Hong Kong in 2014. The airport outlet will be its fourth for Hong Kong.

    Beef & Liberty uses beef only from Hereford cattle, raised naturally by farmers in the Cape Grim region of Tasmania, Australia. It says the meat is typically lean and high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E.

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  • Lancôme Tour Eiffel decorated Hong Kong Airport

    Lancôme Tour Eiffel decorated Hong Kong Airport

    LANCÔME Travel Retail Asia Pacific, leading French luxury beauty brand, held a monumental finale celebration of its ‘Declaring Happiness’ campaign with the launch of an unforgettable Holiday Wonders pop-up concept at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on 14 December 2017.

    Rounding off the celebrations with a festive flourish, LANCÔME brought a little piece of Paris to the heart of bustling HKIA with a pink dazzling 5-metre high LANCÔME branded Eiffel Tower and a joyous pop-up store inspired by the City of Love, complete with a digital ‘Journey of Holiday Wonder’ game for travelers to receive a digital boarding pass for an opportunity to experience LANCÔME Miracle Secret fragrance right at the feet of the Eiffel Tower.

    Opened from 12th Dec 2017 to 15th Jan 2018 at HKIA Departure Central Concourse, the Holiday Wonders pop-up concept at HKIA is the latest event, which concludes LANCÔME Travel Retail Asia Pacific’s successful run of ‘Declaring Happiness’ events across Asia. The global campaign saw an unprecedented level of brand engagement through exciting events that previously took place in Singapore, South Korea and China.

    Finally landing in Hong Kong, the LANCÔME Holiday Wonders pop-up store celebrates the inaugural partnership of The Shilla Duty Free, commemorating the retailer’s first entry into one of the busiest airports globally. Leading the celebrations, the LANCÔME Holiday Wonders pop-up store brings to life the brand’s manifesto by sharing moments of happiness with all women through its immersive retail-tainment elements.

    Towering over the concourse at an impressive 5 metres in height, the pink holiday-themed LANCÔME Eiffel Tower is a sight to behold and acts as the backdrop for the opening flash mob dance performance during the official launch ceremony for the LANCÔME Holiday Wonders pop-up store.

    Hosted by actress and beauty queen, Sarah Song, dancers dressed in chic pink outfits kickstarted the event with a lively number that entertained both VIPs, guests and airport travellers alike. Guests were also treated to a memerising light showcase at the LANCÔME Eiffel Tower following the official ribbon cutting ceremony.

    Much like the original Eiffel Tower, the LANCÔME Eiffel Tower will continue to sparkle for 30 seconds at each 15-minute interval daily, creating incredible photo-worthy moments for travellers. Creating digital buzz for the event, three beauty KOLs, namely Sharon Yung, Giann Chan and Alice Ha, were also invited for a photo opportunity at the Eiffel Tower and to share their most memorable travel moments with the ‘#travelwithLancome’ hashtag.

    “It has been extremely heartwarming to witness the success and the immense support that women from all over Asia has given our ‘Declaring Happiness’ global campaign over the past three months.

    There is no better way to conclude this campaign than right here in Hong Kong, with this spectacular Eiffel Tower and Holiday Wonders pop-up installations,” says Emmanuel Goulin, Managing Director of L’Oreal Travel Retail Asia Pacific. He further adds, ‘Much like how the Eiffel Tower is a Parisian icon, LANCÔME is also a quintessential luxury French beauty leader that has been making women’s lives more beautiful over the past 80 years through our quality skincare, makeup and fragrances.

    In the years to come, it is our hope that LANCÔME will continue to channel the spirit of the Eiffel Tower by offering the best in beauty to all women, and growing in strength to become the largest French beauty brand worldwide.”

    The fun does not stop at the LANCÔME Eiffel Tower as a series of immersive retail-tainment awaits travelers at the LANCÔME Holiday Wonders pop-up store. Beginning at the Eiffel Tower, a digital map will lead guests to discover the beautiful LANCÔME Holiday Wonders pop-up store and the perfect holiday gifting experience.

    Reminiscent of a LANCÔME Parisian home with classic Parisian windows and chimney, the pop-up is decorated in romantic pinks and whites, complete with a sparkly Christmas tree at its entrance that is fully decked out with Christmas baubles, ribbons and gift boxes.

    Having participated in the ‘Journey of Holiday Wonder’ digital game at the Eiffel Tower, guests were also able to redeem their complimentary gift of Miracle Secret sample at the LANCÔME Holiday Wonders pop-up store.

    Further adding vibrancy to its lineup of retail-tainment, a ‘Fly Me To Paris’ instant print photo booth allowed guests to capture their best Parisian memories. An interactive digital game situated at the storefront kept guests entertained throughout the event, as they took turns playing an opportunity to win LANCÔME’s bestselling L’Absolu Rouge lipstick samples.

    To make gifting effortless this festive season, the LANCÔME Holiday Wonders pop-up store also features a wrapping station with complimentary gift wrapping and personalized greeting cards by the in-store calligrapher.

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  • Duty Zero by CDF off to strong start in Hong Kong

    Duty Zero by CDF off to strong start in Hong Kong

    CDF-Lagardère (CDFL), the joint-venture from China Duty Free Group (CDFG) and Lagardère Travel Retail, which won the contract to operate the duty-free liquor and tobacco stores at Hong Kong International airport (HKIA) has revealed initial performance of its Duty Zero by CDF-branded stores has been better than expected.

    As reported, the six Duty Zero by CDF stores, spanning 1,631sq m were launched by CDFL on November 18. According to the joint-venture, business performance in the first 10 days has been booming with sales revenue higher than expected.

    Purchasing strengths

    The succssful opening is believed to be due to the purchasing strengths of China Duty Free Group (CDFG) and Lagardère Travel Retail, which have been fully exploited in the commodity procurement process. This has led to a wider range of Chinese liquor and tobacco and imported liquor and wine collection being offered to consumers.

    CDFL also suggested the implementation of the most “competitive pricing strategy” in the Asia/Pacific airport market contributed to its early success; liquor and tobacco products are now 15%-30% lower in price.

    Another key factor was the decision of CDFL to equip HKIA with an international management and operation team. This has ensured the smooth and successful operation of the newly opened stores.

    CDFG and Lagardère Travel Retail are also understood to have provided support and assurance to HKIA in relation to commodity mix, supply of goods, pricing strategy and personnel support. This was after CDFG adopted a similar strategy in terms of commodity procurement and pricing following its triumph in the recent Beijing Capital International airport tender.

    In addition, support from parent company China National Travel Service Group, the largest travel service provider in China, on elements such as passenger flow and integrated marketing also helped, according to the retailers.

    “Injected new confidence and expectation”

    When interviewed by Chinese media, China National Travel Service Group vice general manager Li Gang said: “The operation of HKIA represents a milestone and touchstone for the development of China’s duty-free industry.”

    Following its triumph in the HKIA tender, CDFG president Chen Guoqiant vowed to do everything possible to deliver a “satisfactory result” for HKIA and its customers.

    Hong Kong Airport Authority is understood to be please with pleased with the initial performance of the liquor and tobacco stores, which have “injected new confidence and expectation in the international development of China’s duty-free companies”, according to CDFL.

    Over 3,000sq m

    Meanwhile, two Duty Zero by CDF stores, have opened in the East and West lobbies targeting domestic passengers from airlines such as Air China and Hong Kong, European and American passengers respectively.

    Ultimately, eight duty-free liquor and tobacco stores covering 3,400sq m will be introduced, including the “most complete single malt whiskey mix among Asia Pacific airports” and “most complete Asian alcohol and beverage product mix among global airports,” according to CDFL.

    A Hennessy counter and store featuring Hong Kong afternoon tea and local food will also open, with all stores set to be operational by June 2018 and present a “more beautiful” image to consumers.

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  • Shilla Duty Free opens six new shops at Hong Kong International Airport

    Shilla Duty Free opens six new shops at Hong Kong International Airport

    The Shilla Duty Free has opened six new retail outlets at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

    The retailer sucellfully bid on the perfume and cosmetics and fashion accessories concessions earlier this year. Shilla says the new license marks it as the first operator to simultaneously secure duty free perfumes and cosmetics concessions across the hub airports of Incheon International, Hong Kong International and Singapore Changi.

    With the opening of the HKIA stores, Shilla has also announced its new vision for experiential retail – Beauty & You. Following the commencement of operations this December, the outlets will be transformed in phases into the new identity.

    Shilla’s Beauty & You concept is designed to combine “innovative store designs with a wide array of products, excellent service and exciting activities to delight guests at every stage of their shopping journey, giving a new innovative approach to travel retail in an airport”. Designed to represent how modern customers shop, the new Beauty & You store layout will incorporate both branded counters and non-branded areas, as well as immersive engagement zones.

    New brands

    With the grand opening of the new concept stores slated for the summer of 2018, the number of brands featured across the six stores will increase to over 200.

    “We’re extremely excited to expand The Shilla Duty Free network to one of the busiest airports in the world,” said Alice Woo, managing director of Shilla Travel Retail Hong Kong. “The airport served more than 70 million passengers annually and 1,100 aircrafts daily in the past 12 months. Hong Kong’s proximity to other Asian countries and mainland China also makes HKIA a powerful and promising hub for duty free sales. With the upcoming launch of Beauty & You, we hope to redefine the airport retail experience and customer journey through personalised service, interactive and engaging environment in one of the most robust travel markets in the world.”

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  • Hong Kong International Airport Christmas Big Rewards

    Hong Kong International Airport Christmas Big Rewards

    To celebrate the upcoming Christmas holiday, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is launching a series of shopping promotions, including delightful rewards of HKIA cash coupons worth up to HK$15,000.

    Instant Rewards Promotion

    From 20 December 2017 to 2 January 2018, travellers can redeem and enjoy rewards of cash coupons worth up to HK$15,000 when making purchases by electronic payment at HKIA. Passengers making purchases with their UnionPay cards can enjoy additional rewards.

    HKIA’s mascot will be dressed up in full Christmas outfit and walk around in the terminal, ready to meet, greet and take snapshots with travellers to spread the festive spirit.

    Shopping and Dining Offers

    During the promotional period, HKIA will also collaborate with retailers to provide a whole host of fabulous shopping and dining offers. Travellers can get more details simply by scanning the QR code on promotional materials or by visiting our website:
    https://www.hongkongairport.com/eng/shopping/special-offers.html

    Free Delivery Service

    Travellers spending HK$1,000 or more in a single transaction at HKIA can enjoy complimentary local delivery service. Free delivery service to Mainland (for clothing, bags and accessories only), Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Macao, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam is also offered to travellers who spend HK$2,500 or more in a single transaction. For details, please check with the staff at the retail outlets.

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  • DHL Express to expand opration at HKIA hub

    DHL Express to expand opration at HKIA hub

    Growing regional e-commerce trade has prompted DHL Express to expand its central-Asia hub (CAH) in partnership with Airport Authority Hong Kong.

    Costing about HK$2.9 billion (US$371.4 million), the expansion takes DHL’s commitment for the hub to about $4.5 billion.

    Recording an average 12 per cent year-on-year growth in its shipping volume in the past decade, CAH is one of three global hubs for DHL. With its expansion, it will handle more than 40 per cent of DHL’s Asia Pacific shipments.

    DHL Express CEO Ken Allen says the hub is based in a location that is strategically important for the company as the region’s international trade demands continue rapid growth.

    As part of the expansion, CAH will be equipped with an enhanced material-handling system that will improve productivity and increase throughput from 75,000 shipment items an hour to 125,000 items. The annual throughput of the expanded hub is expected to rise by 50 per cent to 1.06 million tonnes.

    As a dedicated air express cargo unit at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), the expanded CAH can handle six times more in terms of shipment volume than when it was established in 2004.

    Three times faster

    “Connecting with more than 70 DHL Express gateways in the region, the hub plays a significant role in strengthening our network in Asia Pacific, including Bangkok, Shanghai and Singapore,” says DHL Express Asia Pacific CEO Ken Lee.

    “The expansion will also help us capitalise on the growth in intra-Asian trade that currently contributes more than 40 per cent of our revenue in Asia Pacific. Equipped with fully automated X-ray inspection machines, the expansion will make our shipment inspection three times faster.”

     

    “The strong growth of cross-boundary e-commerce has generated new opportunities for the air-cargo industry,” says Airport Authority Hong Kong CEO Fred Lam. “We have taken an array of measures to further strengthen our role as an international and regional aviation hub, which include reserving land on both the airside and landside to support the growth in transshipment, cross-boundary e-commerce and the high value-added air-cargo business.”

    The CAH extension is expected to start work in early 2022, in time to capture demand in the Pan-Pearl River Delta region and completion of the airport’s three-runway system in 2024. The expansion will increase the CAH warehouse space by about 50 per cent to 47,000sqm.

    Its security system will have 520 CCTV cameras and an advanced access-control system, and a quality-control centre will monitor flight uplift/landing times and reporting any irregularities so DHL can notify customers of flight delays or cancellations.

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  • HKIA seeks luxury retailer for boutique space

    HKIA seeks luxury retailer for boutique space

    Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is seeking a retailer to run a luxury boutique concession.

    Tenders have been invited for a 57sqm space in the restricted area of Level 6 Departures in Terminal 1’s East Hall.

    With air, sea and land links around the clock, HKIA serves more than 100 airlines and 70.5 million passengers and is still growing. Of the international travellers passing through the airport, about 45 per cent are executives, professionals and proprietors.

    Tenders, accompanied by a non-refundable cashier’s order of HK$500, must be submitted by December 14.

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  • Hong Kong International Airport retail spaces available

    Hong Kong International Airport retail spaces available

    Three Hong Kong International Airport retail spaces are available for tender for a smart-living and audio/visual/electronic products concession.

    All spaces are in Terminal 1 restricted areas – 102 sqm on Level 7 of Departures East Hall, South; 164 sqm on Level 7 of Departures East Hall, North; and 40 sqm on Level 6 of Departures South Concourse.

    With air, sea and land links, Hong Kong International Airport is open round the clock, serving more than 100 airlines and 70.5 million passengers annually.

    Tender requests must be accompanied with a non-refundable cashier’s order of HK$500 (US$64). Tender submissions must be in by August 31.

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  • Strong retail performance bolsters Hong Kong results

    Strong retail performance bolsters Hong Kong results

    Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has reported ‘a solid financial performance’ in its fiscal year ending 31 March 2017, with a marginal 1.1% increase in passengers to 70.5m, plus ‘higher revenues from airport charges, airside support services franchises and retail concessions’.

    AAHK said that total revenue rose by 2.4% to HK$18,627m ($2,385m) thanks to increased passenger and flight numbers, higher landing and parking charges, plus ‘a strong retail performance’

    Retail licences and advertising revenue accounted for 41.9% of total revenue, up 3.7%, to HK$7,803m ($999.3m), with this result bolstered by higher revenue from better licence terms, passenger growth at HKIA and new retail outlets in the Midfield Concourse. These results were also stimulated by promotional retail campaigns throughout the year.

    Further expanding HKIA’s extensive network, 14 new destinations were added in 2016/17, including London Gatwick, New York LaGuardia, Portland, Madrid, Saipan, Ahmedabad (India), Chiang Rai (Thailand), Daegu (South Korea), Manado (Indonesia), Mandalay (Myanmar), Toowoomba (Australia), and Ishigaki, Takamatsu and Yonago (Japan). Four new carriers also began operations, including Austrian Airlines, Bismillah Airlines, T’way Air and Vietjet Air.

    Airport Authority also said in its annual report that it is planning to introduce automation and mobile technologies to create a smoother and more ‘hassle-free passenger experience’, as Fred Lam, CEO of the AA explained: “We are introducing more technology-based self-service facilities, which are increasingly popular.

    “For example, in addition to the self-bag drop service that debuted in 2016, a new smart luggage tag is to be launched in 2017/18. With the smart tag, passengers will receive an alert through the ‘HKG MyFlight’ mobile app shortly before their bags arrive at the carousel at baggage reclaim.

    In 2016/17, the AA began installing approximately 10,000 iBeacon transmitters at HKIA that enable the sending of directions and boarding alerts to passengers’ mobile phones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices via the upgraded ‘HKG My Flight’ mobile app. Several other new features will be added to the app, including airport signage translation and retail functions, including car park booking.

    Commenting generally on the retail performance, AA said that the ‘I Love Hong Kong’ retail zone in the East Hall focusing on well-known local brands has proved very popular with travellers. As a result, management said it will now also feature a unique concept that combines both shopping and fine dining.

    AAHK management added: “In 2016/17, we introduced an array of retail innovations, including pop-up stores showcasing new retail categories such as drones and aerial photography systems, and a distinctive beer truck where travellers can enjoy a cold one before their flight.

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  • Lotte Group forced to drop $4.5bn IPO

    Lotte Group forced to drop $4.5bn IPO

    Following a 30 per cent drop in duty-free sales last month and the virtual closure of more than 100 supermarkets and discount shops in China, the Lotte Group has cancelled its US$4.5 billion IPO.

    Its woes are fallout from the mainland’s objection to South Korea’s new THAAD missile defence system, designed to knock out missiles from North Korea in the event of a war. China’s military claims the system can snoop on its installations as well. China is also angered that the system is on land sold by the Lotte Group to the South Korean government.

    These political moves have put the brakes on Lotte Duty Free’s booming South Korean sales, which rose a record 36 per cent last year to US$5.7 billion.

    Meanwhile, South Korea has protested to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in an effort to persuade China to relax its stance.

    This means the Lotte Group will now dip out on funding for its expansion programs while its key competitor, Shilla Duty Free, has continued to expand its duty-free business overseas, including Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), as reported.

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  • These could be the world’s fanciest duty-free stores

    These could be the world’s fanciest duty-free stores

    Airport travelers shuffling between security checks and their boarding gate often grab duty-free perfume or a cut-price bottle of spirits before an international flight.

    But that’s far from the reality of some passengers at Singapore’s Changi Airport, who in some cases shell out more than $100,000 dollars for a bottle of their favorite tipple before hopping onto a flight.

    High-end duty-free retailer DFS opened its new concept stores – complete with whiskey, wine, cigar and tobacco rooms, bartenders, complementary tastings and even virtual reality installations – in Changi’s Terminals 2 and 3 with precisely these customers in mind.

    “We drew inspiration from stylish restaurants and bars around the world when we created this space,” Wilcy Wong, DFS’s vice president of store operations in Singapore.

    He said there would be no hard sell when it came to the pricey products.

    “These days a lot of the customers are very knowledgeable themselves, so to be able to engage them and teach them something new is important,” Wong said.

    Not that the hard sell would be necessary; as well as knowledgeable, many customers are big spenders.

    DFS Wine & Spirits store at Singapore's Changi Airport
    DFS Wine & Spirits store at Singapore’s Changi Airport

    DFS staff recounted that one traveler recently bought a bottle of Glenfiddich 50-year-old single malt whisky priced at 43,910 Singapore dollars ($31,611) on a whim after passing the store. And that paled in comparison to the most expensive bottle ever sold at Changi, for S$250,000 ($180,000).

    Hong Kong-based DFS Group, which is majority owned by LVMH, has outlets at 17 major international airports, mostly in Asia, but has also staked flags in New York and San Francisco.

    The global travel retail market is estimated to grow to $85 billion by 2020, according to the Fung Business Intelligence Center, and Asia-Pacific is the largest single sector of the market, accounting for 39 percent, followed by Europe at 32 percent.

    This forecast growth is in contrast to the fall in retail mall traffic, particularly in the U.S., which has slumped as consumer spending lags and online shopping grows in popularity.

    Singapore’s Changi Airport, repeatedly ranked the best in the world by the influential Skytrax annual survey, hosts 55 million passengers a year, all of whom are classified as traveling internationally because Singapore is a city-state, and thus are free to buy duty-free items.

    DFS declined to provide any change in sales or foot traffic since opening of the new stores in Changi, but the concept has been praised by the retail and travel industry, winning “Best Shopping Experience” this year by Singapore’s Tourism Board, and Singapore’s Retailers Associations “Best Retail Concept of the Year”.

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