JANUARY 8, 2014 – DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, today announced it will unveil game changing store designs for the award winning airport concessions, following the Changi Airport Group announcement that it has won a tender for Singapore Changi Airport’s Spirits, Wine and Tobacco core duty-free concessions for the next six years . With a sensational multi-storey and visually dramatic design that enhances the spirit, wine and tobacco brand presentations to a level unseen before, supported by innovative marketing partnerships, DFS’ break-through bid was chosen following a competitive tender process against a strong line-up of international bidders. DFS will be working with the world’s best wine and spirit brands to merchandise an extensive, curated selection of products for travellers in Asia, one of the fastest growing regions for high end spirits in the world.
This latest win indicates DFS’ long-term commitment to Singapore’s growing market, and the renewed license extends DFS’ operations across each of Changi’s three terminals until 2020, as well as Changi Terminal 4 (opening 2017). Renovation work will start in April 2014 and will be completed by the end of the year. DFS has been operating airport concessions continuously in Singapore (first Paya Lebar Airport, then Changi) since 1978.
Philippe Schaus, CEO & Chairman of DFS Group elaborated on the plans:
“Our vision for these Changi Airport concessions will be to offer the most spectacular presentation of liquor and wine brands ever assembled in any airport in the world. To fulfill this grand vision for Singapore’s very forward-looking airport authority, we knew we needed the right partners. We commissioned a world-renowned architect who focuses on retail, as well as cutting edge restaurants and bars rather than just airports. We attracted the participation of Singapore’s iconic Raffles Hotel to add an unforgettable sense of place to Changi. With so much advance planning and investment, and such spectacular architecture, this is by far the most ambitious airport tender DFS has ever put forward.”
Designed by award-winning designer and founder of Wonderwall, Masamichi Katayama, the store will feature a modern facade inspired by flowing water and undulating shapes. Katayama was behind landmark locations including the Ozone Bar at Ritz Carlton in Hong Kong as well as Uniqlo’s flagship stores.
Katayama explained his design inspiration:
“This grand concept was designed to captivate, inspire and delight the travelling customer during their journey. We set out to defy conventional retail parameters, showcase the products in an aesthetically dazzling way, and invite the customer to linger and try the beverages. We hope that everyone who visits the space will be inspired to come back for more.”
DFS will utilise the latest innovations and technologies to entertain and engage its customers and promote new products such as Ready to Serve Raffles pre-mix cocktails including its iconic Singapore Sling. Changi will also be home to DFS’ first in-airport Platinum Service Lounge, which will provide VIP clients with highly personalised and truly unique services that cannot be found in any other airport around the world.
DFS opened its first Singapore airport operation at Paya Lebar airport in 1978, and was present the day Changi Airport Terminal 1 first opened its doors in 1981. Since then, DFS has been continuously operating concessions at Changi Airport. Today, in addition to operating the Spirits, Wine and Tobacco concession, DFS also operates 10 standalone Fashion concessions as well as the Terminal 2 Watch concession at Changi. The company also operates arrivals and departures Duty Free shops at the Harbourfront and Tanah Merah Cruise Centres, as well as a downtown Galleria store located in the heart of Singapore on Scotts Road.
