CARIBBEAN. Travel retailer Rouge Duty Free officially opened its 1,400sq ft store in in Orange Grove Plaza, Christiansted, St. Croix, in late March, as it continues to extend its footprint in the Caribbean region. The St. Croix store is Rouge Duty Free’s second location in the US Virgin Islands, joining a boutique on the waterfront in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.
Rouge Duty Free St. Croix carries the largest fragrance and skincare assortment on the island, according to the retailer. A spa cabin houses Swiss skincare lines Valmont and Cellcosmet. The store also features a Montblanc corner boutique and a Furla leathergoods corner.
“Rouge Duty Free St. Croix is the luxury shopping destination for St. Croix,” said Raymond Kattoura, whose company Duty Free & Travel Retail Group Inc. helps manage the business for Rouge Duty Free Retail Caribe, owner of the store.
“The gala opening on 26 March was a red carpet reception attended by VIPs, socialites, influencers, and bloggers from the island, who received hand delivered invitations. Guests enjoyed a ‘full moon Cruzan evening,’ with local music, open bar, and local bites. The reception was held indoors and out, following the COVID-19 protocols in place,” Kattoura added.
“The new store has been well received by the local population, who have embraced it from day one. We have been extremely successful with the local markets in the Caribbean, where we have mixed luxury with lifestyle and practicality. This is what makes our stores stand out.”
Kattoura said that Rouge sees growing potential for retail in St. Croix. “St. Croix was formerly a top luxury destination in the Caribbean, with stores featuring French and Italian fashion and brands such as Montblanc, Caron and other top names. Unfortunately, the island passed through a hard period due to hurricanes and other matters, and most of this was lost. The neighbouring islands took advantage of the void and grabbed the tourism and investors.
“But the tide is changing again. St Croix’s economy is on a fast rebound. And with the reopening of the [oil] refinery, a surge in tourism and corporate investors, the island is heading for success one more time. Several celebrities call St Croix their home away from home, including President Biden.
“Rouge will be opening additional doors in St. Croix in both the East and West end to be able to serve the entire island,” he added.
Rouge is also the largest duty free retailer in Grenada, where it operates duty free stores at the airport and the Port Louis luxury mega-yacht marina, plus downtown perfumeries.
Rouge Duty Free is part of the Diffupar/Perfumerias Rouge Group, based in Argentina, which currently operates 53 stores throughout the Americas.
