Rouge Duty Free: Redefining Success and Expansion in the Caribbean

     Rouge Duty Free has emerged as a formidable player in the Caribbean duty free market, marking its journey with an impressive network of 20 points of sale across the region. With a presence in Grenada, St. Martin, St. Maarten, Grand Cayman, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Tulum, and St. Barth, Rouge has undoubtedly become the new face of the Caribbean duty free shopping experience.

     Rouge’s strategic choice of locations in popular Caribbean destinations has allowed it to tap into the tourism market effectively,” explains Raymond Kattoura, whose company Duty Free and Travel Retail Group manages the business for Rouge in the Caribbean. “Our stores offer a diverse and exclusive product range, providing travelers with a unique shopping experience at duty free prices. Rouge stores are known for their elegant and inviting store layouts, creating a sophisticated shopping atmosphere. And our collaborations with globally renowned brands make the Rouge stores a go-to destination for luxury goods.

     “But more than that, Rouge actively engages with local communities, contributing to their economies, fostering goodwill, and providing employment opportunities to locals, which fosters a sense of community. In most of our locations, the Rouge stores have become a leading retail option for the local population as well as tourists,” Kattoura continues.

     “We prioritize customer satisfaction, offering exceptional service and personalized recommendations, and our staff members undergo rigorous training to ensure they provide knowledgeable and friendly shopping experience.”

The beautiful Maison Rouge in the historic district of downtown Christiansted, St. Croix offers top luxury shopping.

     Rouge Duty Free’s journey from a newcomer to a major player in the Caribbean duty free market is nothing short of remarkable. Its strategic approach, commitment to customer satisfaction, and dedication to innovation have made Rouge the new face of duty free shopping in the Caribbean.

     This year expansion will be very special for Rouge Duty Free, as it launches its Luxury District in Grenada’s world-famous Port Louis Marina, at the Silver Sands complex. The Luxury District will encompass seven shops that will include Sunglasses, Tobacco, Liquor, Fashion, Handbags, Beauty and more.

     “The project will be ready by January/ February 2024 in a luxury park with restaurants, cafés and a prestigious country club,” Kattoura tells TMI.

Rouge Duty Free will be opening seven new shops (shown in purple) in the Silver Sands project at the Port Louis Mega-Yacht Marina in Grenada.

    “Our knowledge and experience of the region have helped make Rouge one of the largest duty free operators in the Caribbean, tapping and controlling markets like no one did before,” he continues. “Catering to visitors but concentrating on the emerging local market gives us an upper hand and facilitates our growth.”

     Kattoura says that it is now time to open second and third stores on most of the islands where they operate, in order to reach their clients and better serve them.

     “We are also adding several categories this year. We will be personalizing several brands in Grand Cayman, St. Croix and Grenada. And of course, our most prestigious plans will be on our Luxury District Fashion Boutiques that will open at Port Louis. We are negotiating with the world’s top designers with shops at Miami Fashion District and St. Barth, and brands that fit in this Luxury Mega Yacht Marina.”

     With this project, Rouge will reach its target of 27 shops three years ahead of schedule. Rouge expansion will continue with new openings in 2024 and 2025 in Grand Cayman, St Croix, and St Thomas