CHINA. China Duty Free Group (CDFG) kicked off the 2026 cdf Global Shopping Festival yesterday (1 May) across its global network, in time for the national Labour Day ‘Golden Week’ holiday, traditionally a boom retail period.

The event brings together over 1,000 international brands and many sought-after products to CDFG’s more than 60 domestic and overseas stores and online platforms.

“Featuring exclusive offers, trendy products and immersive shopping experiences, the festival is designed to deliver high-quality, cost-effective choices for consumers with elevated retail scenarios and cultural engagement,” the retailer said.

CDFG exclusives and new launches take centre stage

For the campaign, CDFG is working with an array of global brands to launch CDFG-exclusive products. These include the Qeelin 18K rose gold diamond-set Wulu necklace; the CDF x Laomiao Year of the Horse co-branded pendant; and a limited edition from German drinks brand Jägermeister.

Estée Lauder, L’Artisan Parfumeur, Zegna, Thom Browne x Asics and other brands have also introduced special offerings only available at CDFG stores in travel retail.

Meanwhile, Bvlgari, Omega, Burberry, Loewe, Balenciaga, Tom Ford and Clarins are partnering with CDFG for their new global launches this Labour Day holiday.

CDFG said that by continuously upgrading its retail offerings, it aims to turn global products into accessible experiences for its customers, curating a unique shopping journey for every visitor.

Hainan stores highlight cultural experiences

In the key Hainan offshore duty-free market, CDFG’s six Hainan stores have been transformed into fun travel destinations, brimming with a holiday atmosphere.

At cdf Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex and cdf Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex, visitors can enjoy live concerts featuring multicultural performances from jazz and folk to Latin and pop.

They can also step into an Alice in Wonderland-themed parade, immersing themselves in a fantasy dreamscape, or participate in various workshops and beauty-themed salons.

In addition, visitors at cdf Sanya can strike a pose with a series of interactive installations. cdf Haikou has set up a 600sq m maze and four interactive play zones for shoppers to explore, along with three new brand stores including the Haikou debuts of Sanrio and Le Sportsac.

Over at the cdf Haikou Mova Mall store, shoppers can enjoy gifts with purchases, return customers rewards, welcome drinks and hourly lucky draws. Local residents are invited to take on challenges for a chance to win the grand prize – having their purchase fully covered.

In addition, the cdf Haikou Meilan Airport Store offers surprise blind boxes shopping rewards, plus leather accessory DIY sessions with partner brands.

The cdf Sanya Phoenix International Airport store is focusing on curated premium gift sets, limited-time discounts on best-sellers, and complimentary spirits tastings. Shoppers at the cdf Qionghai Bo’ao Store can also enjoy shopping perks and welcome gifts.

Benefits and services enhance retail experience

In addition to limited-time discounts, exclusive privileges, shopping rewards, and bonus points, the six CDFG Hainan stores are also working with brands and banks to roll out more benefits for shoppers during this year’s cdf Global Shopping Festival.

Joint coupon campaigns with Clé de Peau Beauté, Shiseido, NARS, MAC, Skinceuticals, and Laneige provide savings of up to RMB400 (US$58.60). Holders of the CDFG x China Citic Bank co-branded card are entitled to exclusive benefits.

Seizing the opportunity presented by the late 2025 customs closure of the Hainan Free Trade Port, CDFG said it is strengthening collaborative synergies across its network.

Through its omnichannel reach and upgraded, diversified experiences, the retailer is able to present a wider selection of duty-free products across its footprint, supported by seamless pre-trip, on-trip, and post-trip services.

The result is a closed-loop experience – global shopping with a one-stop, worry-free service all the way, CDFG said.

“Leveraging the full-chain advantages of our parent company, China Tourism Group, CDFG continues to cultivate the Hainan offshore duty-free market, introducing top-tier international brands and domestic labels to enrich consumer choices,” the retailer added.s

“By driving innovation in retail scenarios and service optimisation, we strive to bolster consumption while enhancing the customer journey, supporting Hainan’s economic development and sustaining momentum in offshore duty-free spending.”