China Duty Free Group opens latest Experience Store on Hainan Island

CHINA. China Duty Free Group (CDFG) today (1 August) opened its latest Hainan Duty Free Experience Store in the southeastern island region of Wanning.

It follows the opening in April of two other Experience Stores elsewhere on Hainan Island, as well as a series of other big infrastructure investments by the state-owned duty free retailer. The company said the new store was opened with the support of the Hainan Provincial Government.

The near 1,000sq m outlet features 300 brands across 45 product categories ranging from beauty to household appliances, as well as brand showcase zones and an ecommerce experience area.

Impressions of the new Experience Store in Wanning as CDFG extends its footprint on Hainan Island

As reported, the introduction of an expanded offshore duty free shopping policy on Hainan island on 1 July is driving a surge in sales, fuelled also by Hainan Island’s popularity as a domestic resort destination.

Individuals can now make duty free purchases of RMB100,000 (US$14,130) every year, compared with the former restriction of RMB30,000 (US$4,285). The range of categories has also been extended from 38 to 45, with smartphones, laptops, game players, and wines and spirits being added to the list. Critically, the RMB8,000 (US$1,129) limit for a single tax-free purchase has been removed and 30 cosmetics items per visit can now be purchased instead of 12.

Note: As reported, CDFG is a Diamond Partner at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October, while company President Charles Chen (below) will present a keynote address. Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development & Hainan Expo are also joint Platinum Partners of the event.

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