Hainan heats up as Sanya openings approach and Haikou plans take shape

CHINA (HAINAN). The offshore duty free sector in Hainan continues to heat up with three more stores due to open in Sanya in coming weeks.

As reported, China National Service Corporation (CNSC) will open a downtown store in Sanya, with the unveiling now set for late November or early December, the retailer confirmed to The Moodie Davitt Report.

Hailvtou Sanya Downtown, controlled by Hainan Tourism Investment Duty Free Co Ltd (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hainan Tourism Investment Development Co Ltd) is also finalising its start-up operation. The retailer has partnered with international operator Lagardère Travel Retail and will open in December, it told The Moodie Davitt Report.

Sector giant China Duty Free Group is set to open an offshore duty free operation at Sanya Phoenix International Airport.

Meanwhile, Hainan Daily Press Group (Hainan Daily), a much-respected local state media, broke an exclusive story on 18 November outlining an exciting seven-pronged plan by the Haikou Municipal Bureau of Commerce to promote consumption in Haikou City that includes a heavy emphasis on offshore duty free stores.

Tourists shop for goods at the China Duty Free Group-controlled Haikou Riyue Plaza Duty Free Shop. Photo credit: Hainan Daily reporter Wang Kai

Hainan Daily said that in order to further tap the potential of duty free consumption, the Haikou authorities will “strive” to add or expand four offshore duty free stores in the near term. When the second phase of Haikou Meilan International Airport’s duty free shop development is completed, the luxury retail area will reach 9,000sq m, while 50,000sq m of luxury brand space will be added to the Sun Moon Plaza shopping center, the article said.

“Haikou plans to gradually build up its potential in the consumer sector, attracting new commercial organisations specialising in this kind of activity,” said a statement on the regional government’s WeChat programme.


[Click on the icon to watch short video highlights of WeChat social media platform Globuy’s visit to Haikou Riyue Plaza Duty Free Shop as part of a wider tour of Hainan’s travel retail offerings in August]

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