DFASS wins Cozumel cruise terminal duty free contract

dfasslogoMiami-based travel retailer DFASS has been awarded the duty free concession for the International Cruise Terminal at Cozumel, Quintana Roo following an open tender.

The contract is for a ten-year term and covers a 10,000sqf duty free shop located directly in front of the cruise pier. The space should be turned over to the retailer in early 2016.

DFASS says that 100% of the disembarking traffic will pass through the shop, and it expects to serve over 1.5 million passengers at the port in the first year with further annual increases over the contract term.

Cozumel’s International Cruise Terminal, which is being renovated and expanded to cover more than 35,000sqf, with 10,000sqf allocated to the duty free operation, “is poised to be the jewel of the Cozumel cruise market,” DFASS commented.

The new store will incorporate local design elements with a strong international brand presence. An open floor plan will facilitate maximum exposure and ease of shopping.

Among the broad range of tequilas and regional spirits that will be offered, DFASS will feature significant brand personalization’s from Pernod Ricard, including Chivas Regal, Absolut, Ballantine’s and Martell, and a strong portfolio of key brands such as Estée Lauder, among a wide array of duty free and travel retail offerings from other liquor, tobacco, beauty and fashion houses.

“We are extremely excited about this important win. As DFASS continues to focus on expanding our airport and ground store business, the Cozumel concession represents an important step for our Group,” said DFASS President of Ground Stores Jon Potash.

In related news, DFASS will be an official partner for the 2016 Airline Retail Conference (ARC) Asia/Pacific showpiece, organized this year by new owner Memphis Media.

DFASS manages 27 inflight retail concession airline partners globally covering duty free shopping.

“The last Asia exhibition held in Hong Kong was very well attended and we see this as a great opportunity to build on our business in the region. Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, and Scoot have all renewed their agreements with us, and we are pleased to be starting our new business on board Tianjin Airlines and Vietnam Airlines later this month,” said DFASS Group deputy chairman John Garner.

DFASS also operates duty free concessions in Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Orlando Intl. Airport, Denver International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport where it was recently awarded the new duty free contract.