Expands MCIA, NAIA outlets: Duty Free braces for tourist influx

CEBU, Philippines — Duty Free Philippines, Corp. (DFPC) announced its expansion plans in anticipation of high tourist arrival prospect in the country.

Following the recent opening of its stores at the newly opened Mactan Cebu International Airport’s Terminal 2, DFPC is set to fully open its expanded displays  at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA T3) this coming August, said  DFPC Chief Operations Officer Vicente Angala.  Duty Free Mactan has a combined floor area of over 1,200 square meters.

Meanwhile, a portion of the 3,600 square-meter Duty Free store at NAIA Terminal 3 Arrival area also started operations this June. This new outlet, which is expected to be fully operational by August 2018, is now offering Duty Free staples such as chocolates, perfumes, liquor, tobacco and other grocery items, at prices lower than the market prices in Manila.

The state-run duty-and-tax-free merchandising retailer announced the opening of  a Duty Free luxury store at the SM Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City. At 4,200 square meters, Duty Free Luxe will be one of its largest shopping outlets. It will carry a wide selection of high end imported goods and retail mix that will capture brands across all spectrums – from luxury designer labels like Bally and Ferragamo to mid-priced fashion labels like Coach and Michael Kors.

“We are hopeful that these business initiatives would support the long-term growth of Duty Free in the Philippines,” said Angala.

In Mactan, Duty Free welcomes travelers and tourists in two different locations at the newly inaugurated and MCIA Terminal 2. Both in the pre-departure and arrival area, “Pasalubong shoppers can choose from a wide selection of products including liquor, fragrances and cosmetics, confectionery and other snacks.”

In statement, Angala reported that sales for the first four months of the year edged up by more than 7.5 percent, surpassing its four percent growth target for the period.

Net income also rose nine percent to P179 million from January to April. DFPC’s growth is seen to further accelerate in the coming months, once the new stores will be opened.