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DFS co-Founder Robert Miller salutes 50 years of achievement at last night’s celebration |
HONG KONG. On Saturday night DFS celebrated its 50th anniversary in superb style, with around 2,000 guests – including brand owners, other travel retailers and media – in attendance. The party began with a cocktail at the company’s Sun Plaza Galleria, followed by a trip to Kai Tak Airport, the site of DFS’s first airport duty free store.
The late night event culminated in a terrific show by Haitian singer Wyclef Jean, who entertained guests with a powerful set. His appearance reflected DFS’s commitment to Hand in Hand for Haiti, the major industry drive behind the building of a school in the country after this year’s devastating earthquake.
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Robert Miller toasts 50 years of success at DFS, with Chairman & CEO Ed Brennan (far left); note the background image displayed on the big screen, of Miller as he toasted the opening of the group’s Kai Tak Airport operations 50 years ago |
Co-Founder Robert Miller greeted the audience at Kai Tak. “A lot has happened in Hong Kong in the past 50 years, and the changes are unbelievable,” he said. “DFS has been through tumultuous times, but it has persevered and done well. That’s due to our wonderful team of people, and to their dedication and loyalty.”
As reported, it is 50 years ago this week since co-Founders Robert Miller and Charles “˜Chuck’ Feeney opened an office and showroom to service their fledgling duty free business in Hong Kong. In so doing they were writing the first page of what was to become one of the great stories in modern retailing.
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DFS Chairman & CEO Ed Brennan, Vice President Consumer Marketing & Global Creative Lynn Arce and Estée Lauder Travel Retailing Worldwide President Olivier Bottrie at last night’s event in Hong Kong |
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DFS President, Worldwide Store Operations Michael Schriver with The Moodie Report Deputy Publisher Dermot Davitt |
The Moodie Report was commissioned by DFS to produce a book marking the 50th anniversary. Click here to access the digital version.
In another major charitable initiative on Saturday, DFS pledged 5% of sales on the day from every one of its stores to organisations supported by its local staff. DFS Hong Kong gave its support to the local Sunnyside School. The company said: “As we celebrate our 50th birthday, we would like to give back to the communities that have given so much to us.”
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Haitian-born singer Wyclef Jean proved a huge hit with guests |
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Robert Miller at DFS Galleria Sun Plaza with DFS corporate communications chief Sharon Weiner |
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DFS Hawaii Managing Director David Charles with Sharon Weiner |
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DFS North America Vice President Business Development Joe Lyons celebrates the occasion at Kai Tak with Vice President Talent Management Stores Mark Sullivan |
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DFS displayed two video walls showcasing some iconic images from its history during the party |
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DFS Galleria Sun Plaza was proudly bedecked in 50th anniversary signage and colours for the night |
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Guests were invited from around the world of travel retail; here, Aer Rianta International Middle East Managing Director John Sutcliffe and Chairman Abdulla Buhindi pose with members of Robert Miller’s family |
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DFS’s Andrew Ford (left) enjoys the night at the Kai Tak Airport party in the company of Abu Dhabi Airports Company’s Huraiz Al Mur Bin Huraiz (centre) and Dan Cappell (right) |
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King Power Group (Hong Kong) Managing Director Travel Retail & Duty Free Sunil Tuli (pictured left) with TFWA Chief Executive Officer Alain Maingreaud at the late night celebrations |
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DFS received best wishes from around the world on the occasion of the anniversary, with many bouquets of flowers displayed at the entrance to its Galleria at Sun Plaza as guests arrived |
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WDF’s Mark Riches and Abu Dhabi Airports Company’s Dan Cappell were among the overseas guests |
