Kenny Blog: JDC celebrates Grand Opening of expanded duty free at Jeju Airport from The Moodiereport

JDC celebrates Grand Opening of expanded duty free at Jeju Airport

Published: 22/12/11

Source: ©The Moodie Report

By Martin Moodie

SOUTH KOREA. JDC this week celebrated the Grand Opening of its expanded duty free store at Jeju International Airport on Jeju Island. At 2,949sq m, the store represents a +65% increase in space.

JDC operates in the domestic area of the airport, serving Korean travellers returning to the mainland. Korean nationals are entitled to buy up to US$400 worth of duty free goods, up to six times a year, when they visit the island of Jeju.

Celebratory scenes from Tuesday's Grand Opening at Jeju International Airport

The expansion has allowed a big increase in brands, which have been increased from 190 to 237, including big new cosmetics names such as Sisley, MAC and Bobbi Brown, plus several more leading fashion brands.

The layout has also been altered significantly to a more shopper-friendly formula, based on category segmentation.

JDC has hired around 250 new employees, bringing its work force to about 1,000, 99% of them locals.

Cosmetics is a key category for JDC, representing (with fragrances) over 40% of the mix

Above and below: A strongly category-led layout helps customer shopping

Attendees at the opening included JDC’s CEO, management and staff, Korea Airport Authority’s local branch, Jeju Customs, suppliers and agents. JDC CEO Byon Jong-II said in his speech to guests: “JDC will endeavour to have good relationships with suppliers, Korean agents, the airport authority, Customs and other official groups.

"In turn we need support from them in order to help achieve our ambitions to be a world-class company. JDC will strive for a win-win situation for all."

JDC Duty Free Shop opened its first store on 24 December 2002. It now has a combination of three stores, two of them at ferry ports.

In 2009 it generated sales of around US$270 million, rising to over US$300 million in 2010.

Sales per customer in 2009 were about US$120 and its sales per square metre are said to be the highest in the South Korean travel retail market