CDFG and Qeelin team officially open the new Changi store. (LR) Meili Li, President of China Luxury Fashion Division Duty Free International; Christophe Artaux, Chief Executive Officer Qeelin; Henry Zhang, Director of China International Business International Duty Free; Mr. Chandra Mahtani, Senior Vice President, Airside Concessions, Changi Airport Group;
China Duty Free Group (CDFG) has partnered with luxury jewelery brand Qeelin to open a boutique at Changi Airport, marking the retailer’s first official activity in Singapore.
Located in Terminal 1, next to brands such as Gucci, the store is expected to attract a large number of visitors.
CDFG described the move as an “important milestone” in the development of its overseas duty-free activities. This follows the opening of a duty-free store at Cambodia’s Siem Reap Angkor International Airport in October 2023.
CDFG said it will continue its “aggressive expansion” into international markets under the leadership of China Tourism Group.
Keelin Boutique will open on the eve of Chinese New Year 2024, offering travelers a luxurious shopping experience with a wide range of products. We also have a lineup of limited edition items and Chinese duty-free items.
CDFG will leverage the relationships established at its Keelin store in Hainan to manage the day-to-day operations of the Kering-owned brand at its new location.
Qeelin is known for its designs that combine cultural meaning and symbolism with modernity and craftsmanship.
The brand currently has more than 130 sales locations across Asia, Europe, North America and Australia. Greater China is the main market.
CDFG and Qeelin: “Milestone” moments
“Asia Pacific is a key market for CDFG and Keelin’s expansion, and Singapore Changi Airport is one of our most important travel retail markets,” said CDFG Chairman and General Manager Wang Xuan.
“Our expansion in Singapore is fully consistent with our development strategy and also demonstrates our strength in operating in global hub airports.
“CDFG is committed to strengthening our core competencies, steadily advancing our international growth strategy, and providing consumers with more comprehensive and convenient services.”
The new Keelin store will be CDFG’s first foray into Singapore.
Christophe Artaud, Chief Executive Officer of Keelin, said: “Together with CDFG, Keelin is excited to open its first boutique at Singapore Changi Airport and achieve another milestone in the brand’s international development plans.” added.
“This year, as we celebrate Keelin’s 20th anniversary, we look forward to bringing our contemporary vision of Eastern aesthetics to the world through our unique jewelry designs and stories.”
In October last year, CDFG’s parent company, China Tourism Group Duty Free Corporation, Sales for 9 months increased by 29.1% year-on-year Expected to reach RMB 50,837 million/approximately USD 6.9 billion.