CDFG hits over US$300 million in sales during Lunar New Year holiday shopping surge in Hainan

CHINA. Travel retail powerhouse China Duty Free Group (CDFG) recorded CNY2.2 billion (US$301.7 million) in sales, attracting 350,000 shoppers following an intensive promotional campaign across its six Hainan locations during the peak Spring Festival period.

The sales surge aligns with successful celebrations across Hainan, marking its first Spring Festival since being awarded intangible cultural heritage status. The island hosted a series of events under the themes ‘Duty-Free + Traditional Customs’ and ‘Duty-Free + Chinese Culture’, enhancing the festive mood.

Combining tradition with innovation, the retailer hosted a range of themed activities and shopping benefits, offering both residents and tourists a distinctive shopping experience.

Cultural events and tourism boost duty-free retail popularity

Ms Lu, a tourist from Shanghai, said: “Coming to Hainan for the New Year was a trip our family planned a month in advance. We love the weather here, and the duty-free discounts are incredible. I finally bought the bag and ring I’ve been eyeing.”

To drive consumption during the holiday season, CDFG has rolled out bigger discounts, more holiday products and festive activities across its six stores in Hainan.

From the first to the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex hosted holiday-themed events such as traditional parades, lion dances, visits from the God of Fortune and a red envelope rain.

The store also featured festive decorations, including a 6.5-metre-tall serpent installation and multiple photo opportunities, while offering lucky draws at customer service counters.

At CDF Sanya International Duty-Free City, visitors experienced interactive intangible heritage performances, including fire pot dances, drum dances and fish lantern dances. A dedicated intangible heritage zone showcased live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as calligraphy, paper-cutting, sugar painting, stamping and lacquer fans.

Mr Zhang, visiting from Guangzhou, said: “Celebrating the New Year in Sanya has been amazing. I never expected to see dragon and lion dances, fish lantern performances, and even try paper-cutting and sugar painting in a duty-free store. This trip truly immersed me in the festive spirit – it was worth it.”

Upgraded shopping experiences 

Ms Yang, a tourist from Chongqing, said: “I prepared my shopping strategy in advance, snagged some discount vouchers, and headed straight to the duty-free stores upon arriving in Hainan. The stacked discounts made this trip incredibly rewarding.”

With strong government support, CDFG rolled out an array of promotions during the Spring Festival, in collaboration with various industries. The retailer offered duty-free vouchers, bank payment benefits and trade-in discounts on digital products, all of which stimulated consumer spending and contributed to holiday economic growth.

At cdf Mova Mall in Haikou, the lively décor and celebratory mood drew large crowds. Encouraging tourists to ‘shop for duty-free goods before leaving,’ the ‘buy and pick-up’ duty-free sales platform in Hainan province has become popular for many visitors, noted the retailer.

During the holiday, the cdf Haikou Meilan Airport store offered exclusive discounts for early arrivals, an -8.5% discount for students and teachers during winter break, and special deals for international transit passengers.

Similarly, CDFG’s stores at Sanya Phoenix International Airport provided -25% off a single cosmetics item, -30% off three items and complimentary gifts with any purchase.

In March 2023, Hainan introduced the ‘Guaranteed Pick-up’ and ‘Buy Now, Pick Up’ services, allowing tourists to collect items priced under CNY20,000 (US$2,700) from the approved list, adding convenience to their shopping experience. Read More