MANILA, Philippines - Duty-free shopping for tourists, balikbayans, OFWs and their families has become a greater pleasure with the recent renovation of Duty Free Philippines (DFP) stores at the NAIA Terminals 1 and 3.
In keeping with DFP’s goal of making its shoppers happy through a continuous improvement of facilities, DFP engaged the services of world-renowned design team Sounda Design Inc. led by the brilliant French tandem of architect Frederic Chevassus and designer Philippe Larosse.
“The stores now sport a modern and more functional look to entice more customers to patronize the many international brands that are on offer,” says Lorenzo Formoso, chief operating officer of DFP. “Our 15 stores keep pace with the dynamism and sophistication of the international travel retail industry.”
The perfumes, cosmetics and fashion areas’ elegant and more functional design have adopted an “aerodynamic” concept using aircraft details, such as a plane’s wings and propeller, as inspirations.
The number of travelers and travelers’ companions shopping at Duty Free NAIA Terminal 3 is expected to increase with the relocation of airlines like Delta, KLM Royal Dutch, Emirates, Singapore Air and Cathay Pacific to that that terminal.
DFP is an attached agency of the Department of Tourism, and its earnings accrue to the DOT to help support tourism programs and projects. “As the country’s only tax and duty free travel retailer, the DFP shops are the very first to welcome travelers into the country, as well as the last to bid them farewell after having had more fun in the Philippines,” the DFP official says.
Shopping at DFP lets one enjoy imported items at hugely discounted rates. An additional discount of seven percent is given under its ongoing “Travelite” program.
“Travelite” enables departing passengers with 30-day return tickets to shop in advance and just pick up their purchases from the stores when they arrive back in Manila. Travelers simply need to pre-register at the website dfp.com.ph or register in person at the NAIA Duty Free stores.