The tariffs are having a devastating impact on Canadian duty free, as fewer Canadians are traveling south in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war with Canada. One Canadian land border store has already shut its doors because of the lower traffic and sales, and many others fear they will follow, FDFA Executive Director […]
Canada
ARINA grows Canadian business even as U.S./Canada tensions disrupt cross border travel
One on One with Glen Morgan, General Manager, ARI North America Even with U.S./Canada political tensions negatively impacting travel from its most important passenger, Glen Morgan, General Manager, ARI North America (ARINA), tells TMI that it has been a busy and exciting time for growth across its Canadian business, as it opens new stores, refurbishes […]
Dior brings ‘Dioriviera’ summer experience to Montréal–Trudeau Airport
Dior and ARI North America are inviting travelers at Montréal–Trudeau Airport International Terminal to escape into the world of Dioriviera, a “bohemian-chic” summer experience under the Dior sun. The installation features desert-inspired decor, including a towering palm tree and life-size cactus, creating a memorable and Instagrammable backdrop throughout the month of August. The Dior podium […]
Peace Arch Duty Free sets record with $170,000 cognac sale
In what it calls “a remarkable display of resilience” amid ongoing challenges with traffic and sales, Peace Arch Duty Free has achieved a record-breaking milestone, selling a 6L bottle of Louis XIII Cognac for CAD $170,000—the highest-value single-item sale in the shop’s history. This landmark purchase reflects a growing shift in customer demographics, with increasing […]
Avolta unveils Toronto Duty Free at YYZ
Avolta’s Dufry brand has unveiled its newest duty free store at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Toronto Duty Free. The 170 sqm shop in Terminal 3 offers a collection of Canadian-made products alongside a curated selection of wine, spirits, and confectionery. The store is the first of several new shops planned as part of the […]
Luxury ABSOLU fragrances from Canada launch exclusively for GTR
ABSOLU, a luxury Canadian fragrance brand that embodies the country’s natural beauty and sophistication, has launched exclusively into global travel retail. Produced by the House of Cosper Inc, in Canada, the initial range features five unisex fragrances, AURA, BLISS, MYSTIQUE, OPULENCE and TIMELESS, each presented in 100ml bottles at a recommended retail price of US$120. […]
Canada’s Peace Bridge Duty Free goes into receivership amidst plunging border traffic
Peace Bridge Duty Free, one of Canada’s largest duty free land border retailers, has entered receivership, as it struggles to pay off millions of dollars in debt amidst plummeting traveler numbers, according to Canadian media reports. In an order issued on April 17, 2025, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ordered a takeover of Peace Bridge […]
YVR and Avolta unveil new Vancouver Duty Free shops
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has unveiled Vancouver Duty Free, a reimagined shopping experience for international travelers. The newly renovated Vancouver Duty Free at YVR, which has expanded by 7,000 square feet to 30,000 square feet, spans two walkthrough locations post-security in International departures. The space features a mix of global luxury brands and local British […]
Struggling Canadian border stores hard hit by tariff uncertainty
Canadian duty free, already suffering through its toughest period in years post-pandemic, could be devastated by the proposed tariffs coming from the U.S., the source of its most important customer. Travel Markets Insider speaks with three Canadian land border operators at the IAADFS Summit of the Americas in Miami about what is happening on the […]
FDFA report: Canadian land border duty free stores unable to compete with U.S. due to unnecessary red tape
Representatives from the Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA) released a report today, Feb. 13, showing that Canadian land border duty free stores are unable to compete with U.S. retailers due to unnecessary red tape, unfair regulations, and misapplied policies. The association is calling for urgent government action to level the playing field, remove the regulatory […]
ARI unveils newly refurbished Edmonton Duty Free stores
ARI has unveiled the new look for Edmonton Duty Free, bringing an elevated travel retail experience to Edmonton International Airport (YEG). Since opening in January 2024, significant refurbishments have been underway at the two stores, located in YEG’s Domestic-International Departures Lounge and YEG’s US Departures Lounge. ARI says that refreshing these stores signals the company’s […]
Dior Travel Retail Americas and Avolta open first stand-alone Parfums Christian Dior boutique in Canada
Dior Travel Retail Americas has partnered with Avolta to open the first Parfums Christian Dior stand-alone boutique in Canada, in Toronto Pearson International Airport, Terminal 1 Domestic Departures. The new boutique brings the fragrances, make up and skincare products of the Maison to travelers who fly or transit at the airport. This elegant 516 sq. […]
Wine Classics International adds Suntory Global Spirits to Canadian portfolio, as business on both sides of the border recovers
Canadian wines and spirits agency Wine Classics International has announced an important new agreement with Suntory Global Spirits. The recent FDFA Convention was the kickoff for the partnership in which Wine Classics International becomes Suntory’s duty free agent in Canada, although the collaboration has been in the works for a while, Wine Classics President Jonathan […]
Dior celebrates exclusive La Collection Privée pop-up boutique at Montréal Duty Free
Montréal Duty Free unveiled the stunning new La Collection Privée pop-up boutique by Dior at YUL Montréal-Trudeau International Airport – a partnership exclusive in Canada to Montréal Duty Free, which was in place until December 3, 2024. La Collection Privée is a prestigious and exclusive line of scents created by French luxury fashion house Dior. This pop-up boutique allows […]
Canada’s Jeff Orson retires from PMA after 29 years
After nearly 29 years of leading the Global Travel Retail business, Canadian duty free executive Jeff Orson announced that he is retiring from PMA Canada Ltd. (formerly known as Peter Mielzynski Agencies). Over the course of his career, PMA has won over 10 Duty Free supplier of the year awards and has been nominated countless […]
