DFS Group

Beginnings

In 1960, American entrepreneurs Charles Feeney and Robert Miller founded Tourists International, which later became Duty Free Shoppers (DFS), in Hong Kong. The entrepreneurs anticipated the growing spending power of military servicemen as well as the rise of international travelers from Asia, following vast improvements in international air travel after World War II. 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. In 1966, Alan M. Parker and Anthony M. Pilaro joined the DFS as partners.

Expansion and re-branding

In the 1960s and 1970s DFS Group significantly expanded their operation in Asia 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 could shop and have their purchases delivered before departure. 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. In 2005, branded halls opened in Okinawa, Japan launching a new shop-in-shop concept for DFS Gallerias. In 2010, DFS University was established for enhancing expertise of the employees .

In 2013 DFS reached 420 locations worldwide and 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. In 2015 DFS opened its first transformational wines and spirits duplex store at Singapore Changi Airport, including a raffles long bar. In the year, It also launched T Galleria Beauty by DFS, a standalone beauty concept store in Hong Kong and Macau.

In 2016 DFS expanded its operation opening T Galleria Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia and shoe hall at the T Galleria by DFS, City of Dreams in Macau., also announced its plan to hit Europe opening its first T Galleria shop opening at Fondaco dei Tedeschi in Venice, Italy. It is also expected to open in Paris within the renovated Samaritaine complex .

Philippe Schaus serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DFS Group, and a member of the LVMH Executive Committee. He joined DFS in 2011 as Group President, Merchandising and Marketing, and was appointed to his current role in 2012.

Acquisition

In 1996, LVMH acquired the majority share of DFS Group, buying out Feeney, Parker, and Pilaro and setting a new focus on the combined elements of travel and luxury. It developed a merchandising strategy based around three core “pillars” - Beauty, Fragrances and Well-being ; Fashion, Watches, Jewelry and Accessories; Fashion and Spirits, Wine, Tobacco, Food and Gifts – and a new tagline, “The Traveler’s Luxury Department Store”. It also created an annual “Masters Series”, showcasing the best products across all its categories that convene leading brand representatives, top customers, media and industry analysts in a celebration of luxury. In 2004, the company moved its headquarter to Hong Kong from San Francisco, California as part of a corporate restructure.

Locations

DFS Group has been operating around 420 duty-free stores at 17 international airports, 18 downtown Galleria stores, as well as resort locations in 14 countries around the world. The DFS stores locations are as follows;

Awards and recognition

In 2012, DFS won the Hong Kong International Airport retail concession in all three core categories. In 2015 DFS Group was awarded "Best Technology Platform" under the Best Treasury and Finance Strategies in Asia Pacific category at The Corporate Treasurer Awards. In 2016 it received the 19th Duty-Free News International (DFNI) Asia/Pacific Awards for Travel-Retail Excellence.