CHINA. The Macallan has opened its largest boutique in travel retail with China Duty Free Group (CDFG) at cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex.
The Macallan boutique brings the heritage, prestige and craftsmanship of the whisky brand to life. Its design was inspired by the architecture and aesthetics of the brand’s home in Speyside, with the brand’s signature latticework centrepiece, a central focal point.
The elegant 100sq m boutique on the first floor of the recently opened CDFG-run shopping emporium features a wide array of The Macallan single malt whiskies including its travel retail-exclusive core range, The Quest Collection and several boutique exclusives.
These include the Home Collection and Folio, which offers prestige bottlings such as The Macallan Red Collection and The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection. Brand ambassadors are also on hand to communicate the brand’s heritage and qualities.
The boutique provides guests with a diverse series of innovative and interactive experiences. Visitors are greeted by a large-scale LED display and bespoke window display which highlight the latest releases and campaigns.
Additional store space enables elevated customer experiences. A bespoke bar area offers guided tastings, while a Heritage Wall features curated works of art. Notably, this includes ‘Spring Green Persian’, a nature-inspired piece from American glass artist Dale Chihuly. A private consultation room is also available and features an intricate ceiling feature, inspired by the waves surrounding The Macallan’s Speyside distillery.
The boutique marks the fifth The Macallan store in global travel retail. Other locations include Dubai International, London Heathrow, New York JFK and Taipei Taoyuan Airports.
The official ribbon cutting ceremony was held on 17th November and attended by key executives from Edrington and CDFG.
“The opening of the Hainan Macallan duty free boutique is an important milestone for the brand to deepen its efforts in the Chinese market,” said Edrington Group Regional Managing Director, Global Travel Retail Jeremy Speirs. “Hainan has become a new benchmark leading the development of the travel retail industry in China and the world and has become a must-visit place for Chinese luxury consumers. It is an important gateway for brands to embrace the Chinese market and Chinese consumers.
“To have the opportunity to execute our boutique concept in such an incredible space and within a retail complex that is undoubtedly set to become an international benchmark, is both an endorsement of The Macallan’s credentials and a testament to CDFG’s pioneering vision and ambition.”
CDFG President Charles Chen said that the completion of the cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex reflects the company’s vision of cooperating with global brands to create a new benchmark for the development of the travel retail industry in China and the world.
The completion of The Macallan’s first duty free boutique in Mainland China is a manifestation of this vision, Chen added, one that brings a high-quality retail shopping experience to Chinese consumers.
He said: “With the opening of the Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex, CDFG’s vision is to set a new benchmark in travel retail, with innovative, engaging concepts from the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Global travel retail’s biggest The Macallan Boutique in Hainan embodies this vision – an incredibly powerful retail experience from a brand that has forged a strong reputation with Chinese consumers through many years of leadership and innovation.
“It’s an honour to bring this concept to life for the first time in China and we look forward to sharing the world of The Macallan with our customers in Hainan.”
Edrington Managing Director China Charles Soong added, “Over the years, The Macallan has played a pivotal role in growing the luxury spirits market in China through education and engagement. With the opening of The Macallan Boutique in Hainan we are dovetailing our efforts and creating a more consistent experience across both domestic and travel retail channels, positioning us to engage more effectively with our Chinese consumers wherever they shop.”
COMING SOON: TWO WONDERS OF THE WORLD
The Moodie Davitt Report is delighted to announce ‘The New Wonders of the Travel Retail World’, a duo of landmark publications dedicated to extraordinary projects that have set new benchmarks in the travel retail world.
One is dedicated to the cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex, which opened on 28 October in Hainan province, China.
The multi-media, bi-lingual publication is a pioneering joint venture between The Moodie Davitt Report and Hainan Hinews Media Co. For advertising details please contact Irene Revilla at Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com
The other is the Hamad International Airport Expansion in Doha, Qatar, inaugurated on 10 November.
This stunning development is anchored by The Orchard, a 10,000sq m indoor tropical garden with a 268-sqm water feature complemented by a luxury-led commercial offer boasting 65 stores and 35 food & beverage outlets.
For advertising opportunities on either or both publications please contact Irene Revilla at Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com
