cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex celebrates second anniversary in style

CHINA. cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex is celebrating its second anniversary this month.

The world’s largest duty-free store opened its doors to the public two years ago to the day on 28 October 2022, and has since become a vital engine driving Hainan’s offshore duty-free consumption.

China Duty Free Group (CDFG) said: “Over the past two years, cdf Haikou has consistently upheld its ‘honest operation and quality service’ principles and upgraded its brand mix, optimising the retail environment, enhancing value-added services, and creating diverse consumption scenarios that combine duty-free shopping with cultural tourism.”

The complex houses over 800 international and domestic brands and has welcomed more than 11.68 million visitors, establishing itself as an active contributor to the prosperity of China’s consumer market and the development of Hainan’s offshore duty-free sector, CDFG said.

Since its opening, cdf Haikou has continuously attracted top luxury brands, with international heavyweights including Gucci, Prada, Saint Laurent, Miu Miu and Loewe choosing the complex to make their Haikou debuts.

Driven by the dual-model of ‘duty free + duty paid’ and the synergetic development of multiple channels and business formats, cdf Haikou has become a premium shopping destination with a diversified portfolio, boasting hundreds of thousands of products, covering categories including skincare and cosmetics, fashion and accessories, health and wellness, electronics, and food and beverages, CDFG said.

Additionally, cdf Haikou has set up a dedicated zone for Chinese beauty to support the development of ‘China-chic’ brands.

This year, it partnered with the Jinjiang Municipal Government of Fujian Province to host a series of events promoting homegrown sports brands and Jinjiang’s local foods and cultural heritage.

The retailer also supports povert alleviation efforts through its Star Journey store, which sells high-quality agricultural products to assist the economic revitalisation of rural areas, fulfilling its social responsibility as a state-owned enterprise.

Promotional pizzazz

From 26 to 28 October, the cdf Haikou anniversary celebrations featured a series of promotions and shopping benefits.

These included 20X reward points, CDFG vouchers, and discounts and exclusive gifts across various categories such as gold, liquor, beauty, electronics and fashion. Customers could also earn up to 5X extra points by paying with designated cards and payment methods.

Visitors shopping in the physical store could win the chance of having their entire transaction compensated by the retailer. Meanwhile, online interactions on cdf Haikou’s social media platforms came with opportunities to participate in lucky draws.

During the anniversary celebrations, cdf Haikou hosted numerous in-store activities including the Red Envelope Rain prized game and festive parades, while food lovers could make use of dining coupons.

cdf Haikou also partnered with over 100 hotels, offering guests benefits such as vouchers, taxi subsidies, VIP upgrades including personal shopping guides, exclusive discounts, SPA experiences and afternoon tea in the VIP lounge. In October, cdf Haikou launched a special campaign with Hilton Haikou Meilan, offering exclusive privileges to cdf members.

This series of promotions targeting hotel guests was designed to create a “personalised, diverse and high-quality duty free shopping experience for visitors to Hainan”, cdf Haikou said.

A treasure trove of fine whiskies

Notably, CDFG has just unveiled its much anticipated 3,000sq m Whisky Museum.

The museum is home to over 1,400 carefully selected whiskies, including more than 400 ultra-premium, rare or exclusive products, and features a comprehensive array of top whisky brands from across the globe.

It currently offers a dozen personalised services, allowing consumers to gain a deep understanding of the whisky-making process through interactive experiences, and to explore the unique flavours and stories of assorted brands. A variety of tasting activities were held during the anniversary celebrations.

Cross-sector collaboration

In response to the Hainan government’s call to expand the island’s offshore duty-free market and stimulate consumption, cdf Haikou has invested heavily in promoting CDFG and Hainan duty-free shopping outside the island, as well as attracting tourists to Hainan and the mall.

These initiatives have so far successfully reached an estimated over 300,000 audience members.

In addition, cdf Haikou collaborated with over 100 online travel agencies, airlines, ride-hailing services, financial platforms, hotels, and other businesses and institutions, to provide comprehensive visitor services, helping to boost brand recognition and appeal.

This year, Haikou hosted a higher number of high-profile performances. The influx of fans and concert-goers has strongly boosted the city’s entire tourism ecosystem, CDFG noted.

To support Haikou’s new cultural tourism positioning as a ‘city of the arts’, cdf Haikou seized the opportunities presented by major events such as the Hainan Expo, pop concerts, and local music festivals, and offered tailored duty-free discount packages and hosted its own activities and performances.

Raising the game

Customer satisfaction is a top priority for cdf Haikou, partly achieved by listening to consumer feedback and understanding their evolving needs. From upgrading rest area facilities and nursery room functions to providing umbrella rentals, gift wrapping, free shuttle services, and pet-friendly features, every service and amenity reflects a desire to provide attentive care to all customers.

To cater to the growing demand for personalised services, cdf Haikou has introduced many value-added services such as one-on-one shopping guides, child care, and customised afternoon teas.

In the meantime, cdf Haikou staff have been continuously improving their skills and service quality and strengthening frontline operations, while star employees are introduced on the complex’s social media platforms.

cdf Haikou said it strives to set the example for duty-free retail service by continuously enhancing the overall professional  calibre of its team, ensuring that customers can enjoy a world-class shopping experience.

cdf Haikou pledged to keep strengthening its relationships with overseas and domestic brand partners in beauty, sports, fashion, and other categories, with the goal of enhancing its brand offerings.

Through high-quality services, attractive promotions, exciting themed activities, and unique retail experiences, it aims to become a “calling card for Hainan offshore duty-free shopping”.

The retailer also plans to be more proactive in “going out” to promote its offerings and “bringing in” Chinese and foreign shoppers, and to fully expand its brand network through collaboration and mutual benefit.

Such efforts will accelerate the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port and contribute to the prosperity of China’s travel retail industry, cdf Haikou said. 🏝️