The 1,250sqm store in Port City Colombo will be travel retail newcomer One World Duty Free’s first store outside Singapore
Singapore-owned omnichannel retailer One World Duty Free (ODF) has signed agreements to operate Sri Lanka’s first-ever downtown duty-free store at Port City Colombo, a new touristic shopping destination.
Newcomer to travel retail, ODF secured the lease last year for its flagship store at Singapore Flyer, spanning 10,000sqft on two levels. This month (22 May), ODF joined the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Commission) to sign a lease and ratify their commitment to a strategic partnership aimed at transforming Port City Colombo into an eminent global duty-free retail hub.
ODF will develop and operate a 1,250sqm duty free store at Port City Colombo, offering international brands across Beauty, Wellness, Spirits & Wines and Fashion. Situated within the 7,000sqm tourist leisure complex, Port City Duty Free Mall, will be ODF’s first retail store outside of Singapore. Set amidst various international prestige hotels and casinos, the development promises a diverse and affluent customer base of tourists, expatriates, and locals.
Construction of the ODF store is slated to commence from mid-2023, with trading planned to kick off by year’s end. ODF Port City Colombo will offer travellers a purpose-built shopping environment enhanced by the company’s innovative approach to smart retail.
One World Duty Free Founder & CEO Keira Zhang, who was granted an Authorised Person Agreement on 23 May 2023, commented: “In our partners at Port City Colombo, we recognise a level of ambition which is perfectly aligned with One World Duty Free’s game-changing approach to duty-free retail. The opportunity to showcase our credentials on the world stage and contribute to the creation of a landmark destination in Asia is a key milestone in One World Duty Free’s journey of progressive expansion across Asia.”
Dr Priyath B. Wickrama, Director General of the Commission and Commission Member of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission commented: “In order to make our vision for Port City Colombo a reality, we have sought out best-in-class partners that can bring fresh thinking and innovation. One World Duty Free’s technology-led ethos and commitment to delivering memorable consumer experiences will play a critical role in ensuring we deliver a compelling retail offer to travellers from across the world and thus the Commission’s vision of creating Port City Colombo as a world-class touristic shopping destination.”
In anticipation of a sustained resurgence in tourist arrivals following the Covid crisis, Port City Colombo aims to accelerate Sri Lanka’s economic development by creating a new gateway to South Asia through a range of state-of-the-art infrastructure, including commercial and residential buildings, recreational facilities, a financial district, and a modern transportation network.
Developed in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka, and CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd (CPCC) as a public-private partnership, Port City Colombo is Sri Lanka’s biggest FDI-funded development project to date. With major investment plans for travel retail, entertainment, and leisure facilities in partnership with renowned international players, such as Singapore’s ODF, Port City Colombo aims to become a prime tourism and shopping choice on par with landmark destinations such as Singapore and Dubai.
Sri Lanka Travel Feneteko