Duty Free luxury store to open in MOA

State-run Duty Free Philippines Corp. (DFPC) is set to open a luxury store at the Mall of Asia complex to cater to the affluent Southeast Asian tourist market.

In a statement, DFPC said it would open the 3,600-square meter Luxe Duty Free in November,a multi-level facility that will house the world’s finest high end retail brands.

DFPC chief operating officer Vico Angala said the new outlet aims to capture and satisfy the more discriminating international travelers market with its prestigious lineup of luxury fashion labels.

Luxe Duty Free will also feature famous fragrance and cosmetic brands.

“This new upscale shopping environment will set a standard for the affluent market especially in Southeast Asian countries,” Angala said.

DFPC is the sole operator of duty-and tax-free merchandising system in the Philippines. DFPC operates duty and taxfree stores at international airports and seaports, selected hotels, tourist resorts, and commercial or trading centers throughout the country.

The agency said it remains true to its mandate of catering to the shopping needs of international travelers despite the proliferation of other retailers carrying imported goods and the growth of online shopping.

“When it comes to homecoming gifts or pasalubong, Duty Free Philippines strives to still be the place to shop,” it said.

DFPC added that store development and brand expansion efforts are among of its current priorities.

“All these efforts are geared to further enhance the tourism attached agency’s retail presence to augment revenues and continually contribute to government’s tourism programs and projects,” DFPC said.

DFPC earlier opened a bigger arrival shop at the NAIA Terminal 3

The first duty free outlet was established at the arrival area of NAIA on May 2,1987, offering liquor, tobacco, fra- grances, and confectionery.

The departure shops at NAIA became operational after a month and a third outlet was opened at the Mactan International Airport in Cebu by the end of 1987. The Manila Hotel and Manila Garden Order Centers were added in 1988.

The first off-airport shop, the Fiesta Shopping Center, opened in 1989. It was an 8,000 square meter facility located across NAIA and was the country’s biggest duty free store then.

Fiestamall, DFPC’s flagship store, opened in 1997. It was built on a five-hectare lot, boasting of a 24,000 sqm meter selling area and state-of-the-art facilities.