Core Viewpoint - The opening of the first city duty-free shop in Harbin, supported by the local government, enhances the duty-free commercial layout in Heilongjiang Province [1] Group 1: Store Details - The city duty-free shop is located at 17 Anlong Street in the Central Avenue business district and began trial operations on June 25 [1] - The store covers an area of 264 square meters and features a diverse product range centered on beauty, high-end liquor, and includes categories like department store goods, food, and domestic trendy products [3] - The store offers discounts starting from 61.8% during the trial period, with some products available for a cash discount of 700 yuan for purchases over 2000 yuan [3] Group 2: Policy and Operation - The city duty-free shop operates under the "city selection, port pickup" model, allowing travelers to purchase duty-free goods before their departure [3][4] - Eligible consumers include travelers departing from Harbin Taiping International Airport within 60 days, who must present valid identification and flight information [4] - There is no shopping limit for duty-free goods, but purchases must comply with customs regulations regarding personal use and reasonable quantities [5] Group 3: Strategic Importance - The duty-free shop serves as a platform to showcase local specialty products and cultural tourism souvenirs, enhancing Harbin's global presence [5] - The upgrade from a foreign exchange duty-free shop to a city duty-free shop is expected to innovate the commercial space and provide a new shopping experience for consumers [5]

Core Viewpoint - The retail sector in commercial real estate is experiencing a transformation driven by consumer promotion policies and the expansion of the duty-free economy across major cities in China, leading to increased consumer spending and inbound tourism [3][5][6]. Group 1: Retail Sector Performance - Major retail operators such as CR Land, Longfor Group, and Link REIT are showing varied performance, with some projects achieving significant growth while others struggle with older assets requiring continuous investment [3][9]. - The retail property portfolio of Link REIT in mainland China reported a total revenue and net property income growth of 29.7% and 28.9% respectively, driven by strong performance from specific projects in Shanghai and Shenzhen [9][12]. Group 2: Consumer Promotion Policies - Cities like Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Chengdu have introduced consumer promotion policies aimed at boosting local economies, with initiatives such as the establishment of new retail stores and events to attract consumers [5][6]. - The focus on green consumption and the establishment of new retail formats, such as duty-free shops in urban areas, are part of a broader strategy to enhance consumer engagement and stimulate economic activity [5][8]. Group 3: Experience and Content Enhancement - Existing retail spaces are undergoing significant upgrades to enhance consumer experience, with a shift towards immersive and engaging environments to attract foot traffic [14][17]. - New entrants in the outlet market are leveraging unique themes and experiences to differentiate themselves, such as health and wellness concepts in shopping centers [13][19]. Group 4: Cross-Border E-commerce Expansion - Cross-border e-commerce platforms like TikTok Shop are expanding into new European markets, indicating a strategic move to capture a broader customer base [30][31]. - Domestic platforms are also enhancing their international competitiveness, with initiatives like JD's collaboration with Xiaohongshu to improve conversion rates and customer engagement [34]. Group 5: REITs and Investment Trends - The approval of new consumption infrastructure REITs, such as the China Green Development REIT, reflects a growing trend towards light-asset operations and the optimization of commercial assets [35][36]. - Existing REITs are showing stable operations, with a reported cash distribution rate of 4.19% for the recently restructured Huaxia First Creation Outlet REIT [36][37].

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the first city duty-free shop in Guangzhou marks a significant expansion of the duty-free retail sector in China, with potential implications for consumer behavior and market dynamics in the region [3][4][6]. Group 1: Establishment of Duty-Free Shops - The first city duty-free shop in Guangzhou is located on the first floor of the Friendship Store in Zhujiang New Town, with plans to open around mid-August [3][8]. - A total of eight new city duty-free shops are set to open in cities including Wuhan and Guangzhou, as part of a broader initiative to enhance the duty-free shopping experience [2][4]. - The establishment of these shops is supported by a collaboration between Guangzhou Friendship Group, China Duty Free Group, and other local enterprises [3][4]. Group 2: Regulatory Framework - The "Interim Measures for the Management of City Duty-Free Shops" issued in August 2024 outlines the establishment of one duty-free shop in each of eight designated cities, promoting the sale of easily transportable consumer goods [6][14]. - The measures encourage the sale of domestic products, aiming to enhance the appeal of city duty-free shops to both domestic and international travelers [6][14]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior - The Guangzhou Friendship Store has a history of serving foreign guests and has been a pilot for the "buy and refund" tax refund policy, which has attracted international travelers [9][19]. - The store's offerings include a variety of high-end products, with electronics and cosmetics being particularly popular among foreign consumers due to competitive pricing and tax refund benefits [9][19]. - The growth of inbound tourism is expected to create new opportunities for city duty-free shops, as evidenced by a significant increase in foreign visitors during recent holidays [20][21]. Group 4: Industry Trends and Future Outlook - The duty-free market in China is evolving, with a shift from traditional duty-free formats to city-based retail, which offers more convenient shopping options [14][19]. - Despite the initial excitement surrounding new duty-free shops, experts caution that sustained success will depend on broader economic conditions and consumer preferences [19][20]. - The performance of existing duty-free operators, such as China Duty Free Group, reflects the challenges and opportunities within the market, with recent reports indicating a decline in revenue but a recovery in airport duty-free sales [16][17].

Core Insights - A new batch of eight city duty-free shops is being established in cities like Wuhan and Guangzhou, with the first shop in Guangzhou set to open in mid-August 2024 [2][4] - The establishment of these shops marks a significant expansion of the duty-free business for companies like Wangfujing and Guangzhou Friendship, transitioning from offshore and airport duty-free to city-based operations [3][7] Company Developments - Guangzhou Friendship Group, in collaboration with China Duty Free Group and others, is launching a city duty-free store in Guangzhou, enhancing its retail offerings [2][4] - Wangfujing's first city duty-free store in Wuhan is currently in trial operation, representing a key step in its overall duty-free strategy [3][6] Market Context - The Ministry of Finance and other departments have issued guidelines for city duty-free shops, allowing one store each in eight major cities, focusing on easily transportable consumer goods and promoting domestic products [4][7] - The city duty-free market in China is expected to grow, with the potential for increased sales as it currently represents only 2% of the overall duty-free market, compared to over 50% in South Korea [7][8] Consumer Trends - The demand for duty-free shopping is anticipated to rise with the recovery of inbound tourism, as evidenced by a 43.1% increase in foreign visitors during the recent holiday period [11] - The Guangzhou Friendship store has already seen interest from international travelers, particularly in electronics and cosmetics, benefiting from a "buy and refund" policy [5][6] Financial Performance - China Duty Free Group reported a decline in revenue and net profit in 2024, with a notable drop in Hainan's revenue, but airport duty-free sales have shown recovery, with significant growth in Beijing and Shanghai [8][9] - The overall duty-free market is expected to see sustained growth due to the new city duty-free policies, although challenges remain in the broader retail environment [10]

Core Insights - The article discusses the rapid growth of domestic duty-free shops in China's first and second-tier cities, driven by increasing cross-border travel and supportive government policies [6][7][8] - The Ministry of Commerce has issued measures to support the establishment of international consumption centers, emphasizing the importance of domestic duty-free shops in attracting both outbound travelers and foreign tourists [7][11] - The duty-free sector is expected to play a crucial role in the retail landscape, providing new growth opportunities for local businesses and enhancing the shopping experience for consumers [11][19] Industry Trends - The cross-border travel market has seen a significant increase, with a reported 621.2 million entries and exits during the recent Qingming Festival, marking a 19.7% year-on-year growth [14] - Duty-free shopping in Hainan province has also surged, with tourism revenue reaching 1.661 billion yuan, a staggering 464.7% increase compared to the previous year [14] - Analysts predict that the ongoing tariff disputes between China and the U.S. may shift consumer spending towards duty-free channels, particularly for mid-to-high-end imported goods [13] Company Developments - Several companies, including China Duty Free Group and Wushang Group, are actively expanding their presence in the domestic duty-free market, with new stores set to open in cities like Wuhan and Chengdu [8][19] - The strategic locations of these duty-free shops, often near popular tourist attractions and in central urban areas, are designed to enhance consumer accessibility and shopping experience [20][22] - Local brands are expected to leverage this opportunity to increase their visibility and market share, with a focus on integrating cultural elements into their product offerings [19][22]

Summary of China Duty Free Group's Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: China Duty Free Group (中国中免) - **Industry**: Duty-Free Retail Key Points Financial Performance - In 2024, China Duty Free achieved a revenue of **564.74 billion RMB** and a net profit of **42.67 billion RMB** [3] - The gross profit margin improved to **32.02%**, an increase of **0.21 percentage points** year-on-year [3] - The cash dividend payout ratio was raised to **50.91%**, with total cash dividends amounting to **21.72 billion RMB** [2][3] Market Position and Strategy - The company's market share in the Hainan offshore duty-free market increased to **84%**, up by **2 percentage points** [4] - The Sanya International Duty-Free City was recognized as a **national 4A scenic area**, enhancing the integration of duty-free shopping and cultural tourism [4] Global Expansion - Currently operates **17 overseas duty-free stores** and **3 cruise duty-free stores** [5] - Successfully won bids for **10 airport and port projects**, including Guangzhou Baiyun and Kunming Changshui [5] Product and Brand Development - Introduced over **200 international brands**, including more than **20 exclusive brands** [6] - The total number of SKUs across all channels exceeded **360,000**, catering to diverse consumer needs [6] Digital Transformation and Membership Growth - Membership reached **43 million**, a **19%** increase year-on-year [7] - The company is enhancing its membership system to improve marketing and service levels [7] Inventory and Risk Management - End-of-year inventory decreased by **18%** compared to the previous year [2][3] - Implemented strategies to manage inventory effectively, with a projected **17.6%** reduction in inventory by the end of 2024 [13][14] - Achieved over **100 million RMB** in foreign exchange gains through effective risk management [15] ESG Initiatives - Achieved an **A rating** in ESG performance and was included in the **Central State-Owned Enterprises ESG Pioneer 100 Index** [8] - Engaged in various community service and environmental protection activities [8] Future Development Strategy - Focus on new consumption trends, enhancing customer experience, and expanding international operations [9] - Plans to accelerate the development of urban duty-free businesses and deepen the "national trend going abroad" strategy [9] Urban Duty-Free Store Developments - Several urban duty-free stores have completed transformation and are operational [10] - Successfully won the operating rights for urban duty-free stores in **six cities** [10] Board of Directors and Governance - New board members bring extensive experience in management, capital operations, and legal risk control [12] - The board aims to enhance governance and capture new market opportunities [12] Capital Expenditure and Project Updates - Capital expenditure is being managed conservatively, with no large-scale plans currently [20] - Significant progress in key projects, including the Sanya International Duty-Free City [21] Marketing and Consumer Engagement - Emphasis on user experience and high-quality service, with plans to innovate service offerings [23][24] - Engaging in thematic marketing through live streaming and new media channels [24] Impact of Policy Changes - The implementation of departure tax refund policies is expected to enhance shopping convenience for international travelers [22] - Observations indicate a preference among foreign tourists for Chinese electronic products and cultural items [22] This summary encapsulates the key insights and developments from the conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, financial performance, and market positioning within the duty-free retail industry.

在一系列免签、退税政策的推动下，外国游客"中国游""中国购"热情持续高涨。据国家移民管理局6月3 日消息，今年端午节假期，单日出入境通关最高峰出现在6月1日，达208.6万人次。入境外国人中，适 用免签政策入境23.1万人次，较去年同期增长59.4%。 多地入境客流同比增幅较大。据海口出入境边防检查总站发布，今年端午假期，海南迎来了出入境旅游 客流高峰，截至6月2日18时，海南共验放出入境交通工具164架（艘）次、出入境人员达1.99万人次， 较去年同期增长44.3%。据上海出入境边防检查总站消息，今年前5个月，上海边检总站累计查验出入 境人员超1700万人次、出入境（港）交通运输工具12.2万架（艘）次，分别较去年同比增长23.5%、 16.2%。 众和昆仑（北京）资产管理有限公司董事长柏文喜在接受《证券日报》记者采访时表示，出入境数据的 增长，反映出我国经济的强大韧劲和潜力。旅游、免税店等行业企业积极从丰富产品供给、提升服务水 平、拓宽客源渠道等维度发力，紧抓入境游市场机遇，共同做大入境游"蛋糕"。 携程最新数据显示，今年端午假期入境游订单同比增长近九成，热门入境游目的地为上海、北京、广 州、成都、深圳、 ...

Core Insights - The newly opened duty-free store in Wuhan, operated by Wangfujing Group and Wushang Group, is the first of its kind in the country following the recent policy changes by the Ministry of Finance and other departments [1][2] - This store is a significant step in expanding inbound consumption in Hubei province and marks an important milestone in Wuhan's development as an international consumption center [1] Company Overview - The duty-free store is located on the sixth floor of Wushang MALL, a high-end shopping center in Central China, which is expected to attract over 32 million visitors in 2024 and achieve sales exceeding 10 billion [1] - The joint venture has signed contracts for over 100 international brands, covering a wide range of product categories, and features local cultural products to promote domestic brands internationally [1] Operational Highlights - The company has developed a unique itinerary verification system for a seamless shopping experience for foreign tourists, ensuring efficient and secure product pickup in compliance with customs regulations [1] - The store successfully passed customs inspection on May 16, confirming that its sales area and regulatory warehouse meet the necessary requirements [1] Market Impact - The project is expected to cater to the consumption needs of over 2 million international travelers annually in Hubei, reinforcing Wuhan's position as a central international consumption hub [2] - The establishment of the duty-free store aligns with the government's initiative to set up one store in each of eight designated cities, enhancing the accessibility of duty-free shopping for international travelers [2]

Core Insights - The newly opened duty-free store in Wuhan has seen high customer traffic during the Dragon Boat Festival, with popular products including panda ornaments and enamel gourd pendants sold out [1][3] - The store has sold over 1,500 products by the evening of June 2, with over 200 traditional crafts from Hubei province being particularly favored by both domestic and international tourists [3] - The store offers a variety of products, including international brands and domestic cultural creations, enhancing the shopping experience for visitors [3][8] Group 1 - The duty-free store provides a more comfortable shopping environment compared to airport duty-free shops, allowing tourists leaving within 60 days to shop and pick up their purchases at the airport [8] - The introduction of the "Shenshan Market" brand, featuring original silver jewelry and textile products from Guizhou, aims to attract foreign tourists and promote Chinese stories [8] - The store plans to regularly introduce new products developed in collaboration with local universities, enhancing the diversity of offerings and showcasing Wuhan's vibrancy [8]

Core Insights - The establishment of city duty-free shops is gaining momentum across multiple cities in China, facilitating a new commercial model of "in-store payment and port pickup" for local brands to expand internationally [1][2] - Wuhan has opened its first city duty-free shop, covering an area of approximately 1,200 square meters and offering a variety of products including imported duty-free cosmetics, electronics, beverages, and traditional handicrafts [1] - The Chinese government has initiated a policy allowing the establishment of city duty-free shops in eight cities, with Wuhan being the first to open under this policy [1] Summary by Category City Duty-Free Shop Developments - Multiple cities are progressing with the establishment of city duty-free shops, with the first in Wuhan and others planned in Changsha, Guangzhou, and Chengdu [2] - The new model allows consumers to purchase products in-store and pick them up at designated duty-free points at the port [1] Product Offerings - The Wuhan duty-free shop features over 200 taxable products, including traditional crafts and textiles, alongside a range of imported goods [1] Consumer Eligibility - Consumers must meet specific criteria to purchase from duty-free shops, including holding a passport and a flight ticket for departure within 60 days, regardless of nationality [1]