Duty Free seeks to review market needs; eyes embassies

MANILA — A ranking official revealed on Tuesday the Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC) is planning to partner with foreign posts in the Philippines to review specific needs of its markets.

“(We are targeting) other nationalities that’s why we tie up with different embassies to encourage them to buy here and probably check the needs of the market,” DFPC chief operating officer Vicente Angala told reporters during the Chinese New Year celebration at the Luxe Duty Free Store in Pasay.

Angala declined to identify the countries eyed for the agreement, saying the corporation “has just started and (they’re) meeting them soon.”

While he refused to disclose details, Angala said the DFPC is willing to provide incentives such as discounts for certain nationals once a partnership with his/her embassy has been forged.

“Eventually, we’ll be reviewing that and we will be giving discounts but first we are actually highlighting the PWD (persons with disability) and senior citizens,” he said.

Angala said the DFPC is currently focused on its Chinese consumers.

“If you notice, the brands we have here at Luxe is for Chinese groups so more on perfumes, cosmetics, and fashion,” he said.

Luxe, DFPC’s upscale store near the SM Mall of Asia, is one of the three newest Duty Free hub in the Philippines launched just in November 2018.

On their new initiative for PWDs and senior citizens, the official bared the DFPC’s plan to host an event where PWDs or senior citizens can get 10 percent discount every first Sunday of the month.

“They will have to present their travel documents but the privilege is good for one year,” he said.