Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport has selected DFASS-led TRG Duty Free Joint Venture for its “expansive new duty free shopping experience” that it says will revolutionize the customer experience inside International Terminal D with an offer that includes luxury and premium retail brands.
TRG will design and operate a total of six shopping locations covering nearly 20,000 square feet. TRG’s plans include a two-level, 13,000sqf primary store that will significantly upgrade the central area of the terminal, along with an executive lounge as well as smaller specialty stores and kiosks.
“Terminal D hosts more than 7 million international travelers each year, and as our international profile grows those customers look for world-class experiences and amenities,” said Sean Donohue, chief executive officer for DFW Airport. “The new duty-free experience at DFW will transform Terminal D and bring our customers an unparalleled level of luxury and service with high-end brands, VIP concierge services, cutting-edge technology and local flair.”
TRG’s duty-free shops will feature such international retail brands as Ferragamo, Gucci, Dior, Chanel, Lancôme and Burberry, selling a variety of clothing, cosmetics, electronics, leather goods, jewelry, handbags, wine and spirits, specialty foods and more.
The concession will also feature exclusive local brands, including Bohlin Company western wear with Texas roots dating back to 1920, world-renowned Fort Worth distiller TX Whiskey and native Texas artist James Surls. A unique sculpture by Surls will suspend over the central store to give shoppers a true Texas welcome.
“When looking for a duty free retailer, we asked for a blend of international couture, state-of-the-art technology, luxurious services—all while capturing the spirit and beauty of Texas,” said Ken Buchanan, executive vice president of revenue management. “TRG’s winning proposal delivered with a concept that we know will surprise and delight our passengers. We’re excited to know their vision will soon come to life in Terminal D.”
In addition to DFASS, the TRG joint venture is comprised of locally owned CBI Retail Ventures, with more than 35 years of retail experience with international brands, and the Luskey family, which has operated its landmark Luskey/Ryon’s western store in the Fort Worth Stockyards since 1919. The other partners are Charles Bush Consulting, which has owned and operated concessions at DFW Airport for over 15 years; and MDT Strategic Ventures/Innovative Strategies, a new partner to DFW Airport.
TRG’s new duty-free shopping main store will be located in the center of Terminal D between Gates D22 and D23, transforming space that is currently used mainly as gate waiting areas into a high-end shopping experience. All of the new locations should be installed and operational by the end of calendar year 2016.
DFASS has been the lead partner in the incumbent Buckeroo Duty Free at DFW.
The new duty-free operation is part of the Airport’s overall plan for new premium retail, spa and food and beverage concessionaires in the first major update to the Terminal D concessions program since the terminal opened in 2005. New brands coming to DFW include Hugo Boss, TUMI, Michael Kors, Coach, Mont Blanc, Longchamp, M·A·C, Jo Malone, Aveda, The Italian Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck and Café Izmir Mediterranean Tapas of Dallas.
