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DFS Group

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For other uses, see DFS.
DFS Group
Native name
迪斐世
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryTravel retail
Founded7 November 1960; 64 years ago (1960-11-07), in Hong Kong
Founders
Headquarters15/F, ONE TAIKOO PLACE, 979 KING'S ROAD, QUARRY BAY, HONG KONG
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Ed Brennan[1]
    (Chairman and CEO)
ProductsConsumer goods
ParentLVMH
Websitewww.dfs.com
DFS T Galleria in City of Dreams, Macau
DFS T Galleria in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

DFS Group (DFS) (Chinese: 迪斐世) is a global travel retailer of luxury products based in Hong Kong. Established in 1960, its global network consists of stores located in major global airports and downtown locations featuring over 750 brands.[2][3] It is privately held and majority owned by the luxury conglomerate Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), alongside DFS co-founder and shareholder Robert Warren Miller. As of January 11, 1997, DFS Group operates as a subsidiary of LVMH.[4] DFS is headquartered in Hong Kong SAR.

History

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Beginnings

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In 1960, American entrepreneurs Charles Feeney[5] and Robert Warren Miller[6] founded Tourists International, which later became Duty Free Shoppers (DFS), in Hong Kong. In 1962, two DFS stores were opened at the international airports in Hong Kong and Honolulu, the first duty-free shop in the United States.[7]

Expansion

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In the 1960s and 1970s DFS Group significantly expanded their operation in Pacific Islands and North America. DFS capitalized on the rising wave of Asian tourists who began to travel further overseas, opening stores in international airports and later in downtown locations where travelers have their purchases delivered before departure.[8] In 1968, DFS opened its first downtown duty-free store in Kowloon, Hong Kong, followed shortly thereafter by Honolulu and eventually expanding to 14 locations all over the world.[9]

Acquisition

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In 1996, LVMH acquired the majority share of DFS Group,[10] buying out partners Feeney, Parker, and Pilaro and setting a new focus on the combined elements of travel and luxury.[11] It developed a merchandising strategy based around five core categories – Beauty and Fragrances; Fashion and Accessories; Watches and Jewelry; Wines and Spirits; and Food and Gifts. In 2004, the company moved its headquarters to Hong Kong from San Francisco, California as part of a corporate restructure.

Reinventing Luxury

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In 2009, DFS launched the prestigious “Masters Collection” program, showcasing its passion curation of rare and collector products, as well as immersive experiences, with the first-ever Masters of Time event in Macau.

In 2005, branded halls opened in Okinawa, Japan, launching a new shop-in-shop concept for DFS downtown stores. In 2008, DFS opened its airport store in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, enabling DFS to serve travelers heading from Asia to Europe. DFS opens stores in Macau in the same year.

In 2013 DFS undertook a major branding initiative setting the stage for the next generation of expansion. It re-branded its downtown Galleria Stores “T Galleria” and moved to a strategy of localization for airports, working with local suppliers to increase its mix of “destination” products.[12][2] In 2015 it launched T Galleria Beauty by DFS, a standalone beauty concept store in Hong Kong and Macau.[13]

In 2016 DFS expanded its operations, opening a significantly extended space at T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams in Macau,[14] and its first European store, T Fondaco dei Tedeschi in Venice, Italy.

2020 – Present

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In 2022, DFS opened its first "Resort Galleria" concept at DFS Queenstown in New Zealand and its eighth store in Macau at The Londoner Macao with unique Londoner-themed accents and an extensive assortment of Kids Fashion & Toys.

In 2023, DFS opened its first China domestic airport store at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. In the same year, DFS launched a new global loyalty program, DFS CIRCLE, and introduced its new Chinese name: 迪斐世. DFS launched the Beauty Collective concept at DFS Hong Kong, Causeway Bay. Additionally, DFS announced the opening of its first world-class, seven-star luxury retail and entertainment destination in Sanya, China by 2026.

In 2024, DFS transitioned from T Galleria towards a singular DFS brand identity for its airport and downtown stores. DFS opened DFS Macau, M8 in the revitalized retail cultural destination within the UNESCO Historic Centre of Macao, where the first private label concept brand DISTRICT BY DFS, was launched.

Products By Category

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DFS carries five core brand categories:

  • Beauty & Fragrances
  • Fashion & Accessories
  • Watches & Jewelry
  • Wines & Spirits
  • Food & Gifts

See also

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References

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  1. ^ https://www.dfs.com/en/hong-kong/corporate-leadership-edward-brennan
  2. ^ a b "DFS Group launches "T Galleria", its new store concept for international travellers". 2013-11-01. Archived from the original on 2016-08-21. Retrieved 2016-07-08.
  3. ^ "Shop DFS – Premium Tax Free". Archived from the original on 2016-10-01. Retrieved 2016-09-28.
  4. ^ "History of DFS Group Ltd. – FundingUniverse". www.fundinguniverse.com. Retrieved 2016-07-08.
  5. ^ Bertoni, Steven. "Chuck Feeney: The Billionaire Who Is Trying To Go Broke". Forbes. Archived from the original on 2018-06-26. Retrieved 2016-07-08.
  6. ^ "Robert Miller Profile | Hong Kong Tatler". Hong Kong Tatler. Retrieved 2016-07-08.
  7. ^ "DFS History | Robert Miller | Charles Feeney | DFS Group Ltd". www.dfsgroup.com. Archived from the original on 2016-05-29. Retrieved 2016-07-08.
  8. ^ "History of DFS Group Ltd". Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  9. ^ "Philippe Schaus of DFS on Tapping the Growing Travel Retail Market". The Business of Fashion. December 12, 2013. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  10. ^ Strom, Stephanie (1996-10-30). "LVMH to Buy Duty-Free Empire for $2.47 Billion". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-07-08.
  11. ^ Nordheimer, Jon (March 12, 1997). "Millions of Dollars Couldn't Keep DFS Group Together". The New York Times. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  12. ^ "LVMH-Owned DFS Group Unveils T Galleria Hong Kong | Jing Daily". 2013-11-05. Retrieved 2016-07-08.
  13. ^ "DFS Group goes experiential with beauty". September 18, 2014. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
  14. ^ "City of Dreams and DFS Group Present the Most Unique, Eye-Opening Luxury Retail Experience in Macau". Yahoo Finance. June 24, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.[permanent dead link‍]
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DFS is located in these regions and here are the links to each country specific website:

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