SEPTEMBER 18, 2013 - DFS Group (DFS), the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, today signed a global strategic partnership agreement with UnionPay International (UPI), a subsidiary of China UnionPay. The agreement will bring joint marketing initiatives to DFS points of sale worldwide, and has made DFS the first luxury travel retailer to partner globally with UPI. As both partners embark upon ambitious international development programs aiming to strengthen levels of service, the alliance will provide UnionPay cardholders shopping at DFS with even higher degrees of satisfaction and recognition.
“We are very pleased that our deepened partnership with UPI will enable us to offer more travellers access to the seamless shopping experiences for which DFS has become trusted worldwide,” said Philippe Schaus, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DFS Group. “We offer an extensive portfolio of best-in-class brands and exceptional levels of service, creating luxurious and delightful retail experiences for our loyal customers across the globe, and we are always looking for new ways to better serve these world travellers. DFS and UPI share these same ambitions, and we both see this agreement as an excellent opportunity to further optimise the retail experience for our customers.”
Combining DFS’ trusted reputation for offering the highest quality, authentic luxury goods, as well as excellent services, with UnionPay’s secure, international, and high-quality payment system, the partnership will heighten cardholder satisfaction at DFS. UnionPay cardholders can now also enjoy customised offers on DFS’ broad selection of curated merchandise from world-class brands at destinations worldwide.
“We are continuing to accelerate the global development of UnionPay International, providing cardholders with increasingly convenient, efficient, and preferential services,” said Su Ning, Chairman, China UnionPay. “With numerous stores around the world, DFS Group is the world’s leading luxury travel retailer and preferred destination for UnionPay cardholders during their travels abroad. Today’s global strategic agreement will integrate the resources of both partners, allowing us to enhance our services and better meet the needs of our customers.”
The agreement with UPI reaffirms the innovative ways in which DFS continues to leverage its unique consumer insight into targeted marketing strategies and partnerships. Last week, DFS announced the global rebranding of its DFS Gallerias, with the launch of T Galleria by DFS in Waikiki, Hawaii. With the new brand being deployed around the world over the next year and a half, DFS customers can expect to enjoy even more exciting, tailor-made offers from the Group in the future.
