CHINA. DFS has started a phased reopening of its stores in Macau as COVID-related business constraints in the Special Administrative Region (SAR) ease. As of midnight on 5 August there had been no new locally transmitted cases for eight days.
As reported, the luxury travel retailer was forced to close its seven stores on 11 July in line with a COVID-related government order to shut most businesses, including casinos from 11 to 18 July. The edict followed a spike in cases that began on 18 June.
Yesterday (5 August), DFS reopened its T Gallerias at Four Seasons, City of Dreams, Galaxy and MGM Peninsula. Reduced trading hours are in place while the retailer awaits a pick-up in visitor traffic, something that is likely to be gradual as the Special Administrative Region (SAR) remains under assessment.
The company continues to evaluate the situation in partnership with its landlords. Decisions will be taken later as to the reopenings of Wynn Palace, Studio City and MGM Cotai.
DFS views the closures as only a temporary set-back. Its confidence in the Macau market is underlined by the fact that it will open two more stores in the SAR before year-end.
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