CHINA. DFS Group today revealed a stunning display exhibition for attendees at the inaugural China International Consumer Products Expo (Hainan Expo) that runs from May 7-10 in Haikou, Hainan province. The display takes visitors on an interactive journey that showcases DFS’ renowned global store network and world-leading expertise in luxury through a series of bold and highly experiential spaces.
DFS’ exhibition welcomes visitors to the Consumer Expo with a promise to “See the world through the traveler’s eyes/sharing their passion for the journey” and offers “A global vision with a personal touch/The luxury to discover a distinctive experience and the promise to delight.”
On entering the display, guests are invited to explore the universe of highly-curated luxury brands and products that DFS is known for, through a series of dedicated areas.
‘The World of DFS’ honours DFS’ global network of T Galleria stores and is designed to reflect the delicate archways and light-filled spaces of its first European store, T Fondaco dei Tedeschi in Venice.
Next, a ‘DFS Timeline’ highlights key developments throughout the company’s illustrious 60-year history, from its inception in Hong Kong in 1960 through to its majority acquisition in 1996 [co-founder Robert Miller remains a significant shareholder] by the world’s largest luxury conglomerate Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), and its position today as the world’s leading luxury travel retailer with a presence in four continents and 13 countries.
Visitors are then led to a room dedicated to ‘Exclusive Brands and Products’, featuring desirable items from DFS’ core pillars of luxury. Fashion products are dramatically displayed on a stylised catwalk, while Beauty and Fragrance products appear to float above mirrored plinths or capture attention in uniquely animated activations.
‘The Masters Room’, dedicated to DFS’ world-renowned Masters Series, gives visitors a peek into the retailer’s most exclusive customer experiences. Selected bottles from the Masters of Wines and Spirits collection, along with jewellery and timepieces representing the Masters of Time collection, evoke the company’s acclaimed expertise in curating exceptional products for discerning connoisseurs and collectors.
The final stop is the ‘VIP Service Lounge’, an area for guests to experience the pinnacle of DFS’ service in an elegant and relaxing environment. The room echoes the rarified luxury of DFS’ members-only Loyal T Prestige Lounges, featuring a bar stocked with fine Champagne for refreshment and indulgence. It also boasts images illustrating the Times DF x DFS Haikou Mission Hills Duty-Free Complex, of which DFS opened the first phase in January in partnership with Shenzhen Duty Free Group.
“Our display exhibition is truly a journey into the world of DFS, giving attendees at the Consumer Expo the opportunity to travel with us to some of the most luxurious stores we have to offer,” said DFS Chairman and CEO Benjamin Vuchot.
“Our intention in Hainan is to establish the most innovative stores in our global network, incorporating the latest retail technologies and avant-garde concepts to provide our valued customers with the most extraordinary luxury retail experiences. By sharing a glimpse of our expertise here, we offer our guests a warm welcome to visit our stores in Hainan as well as around the world.”
DFS has made several announcements in recent months about the addition of new stores to its global network. Following the January inauguration of the Times DF x DFS Haikou Mission Hills Duty-Free Complex, it subsequently announced that it will open a T Galleria store in the heart of Queenstown, New Zealand by mid-2022 and a T Galleria complex in Brisbane, Australia by late 2022.
DFS is also making preparations to open its largest and most significant flagship store to date, Samaritaine Paris Pont-Neuf by DFS, in the French capital later this year.
