The public tender was called in June this year for the development and operation of the duty-free operations at SCC’s HarbourFront and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminals for the next five years, with a two-year extension option.
This is the first time SCC has decided to consolidate several separate contracts for existing duty-free concessions across six categories including liquor and tobacco, perfumes and cosmetics, fashion and travel accessories and confectionery concession into a single contract, commencing April 1, 2017.
DFS Group will deliver a seamless, one-stop and interactive shopping experience across seven outlets at SCC’s terminals for travellers visiting and departing from Singapore by sea. The newly awarded master concession expands DFS Group’s presence to serve the over 6.3m ferry passengers and 560,000 cruise passengers who pass through SCC’s terminals annually.
The selected single duty-free operator would be able to maximise space productivity by offering an optimal mix of merchandise to meet customers’ needs, focusing on categories with higher yield, as well as enjoying economies of scale from lower cost with a wider range of offerings.
SCC has also reconfigured the main retail space at the arrival and departure areas of its terminals, expanding the area to about 6,000 sq ft.
Christina Siaw, ceo of SCC, said: 'SCC is delighted by the interest in our duty-free and general merchandise concession, which attracted participation from the world’s leading international duty-free concession operators. We were highly impressed with the passion, innovation and attention to detail demonstrated by participants in the tender proposal and interview stages. We thank all companies who participated for putting in the time and effort.
'Passengers at our terminals will soon see a raft of exciting retail offers, including more shop space, an enticing new store concept, as well as new brands, marketing activities and services to enhance their shopping experience,' she added.
DFS will begin a phased renovation at its outlets and introduce a revamped design inspired by the traditional seafront buildings nestled amongst Singapore’s coastline. It will offer unique products from over 150 brands, new food and whiskey tasting stations, and new e-commerce, collection and home delivery platforms.
Tim DeLessio, DFS Group’s president global store operations, said: 'DFS Group is proud to have grown with Singapore Cruise Centre throughout the past two decades to create a luxurious travel retail experience unique to the cruise and ferry business. Through our strong partnership, we have built a hub for both Singaporeans and visitors alike to enjoy best-in-class retail offerings as they travel to and from this wonderful city. We are confident that together we will reach new heights.'
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