Located off the Camino de la Plaza exit on I-5, Duty Free City is just minutes away with complimentary valet parking. Step inside to explore a well-laid-out space featuring cosmetics and fragrances from brands like L'Occitane and Shiseido, a wine area with American producers and San Diego microbreweries, plus a curated kids’ section. Enjoy coffee in the central rotunda while taking in the view of Furla handbags. Pets are welcome too, as long as they’re leashed!
Duty Free City is set for expansion, with plans to open four new stores in Texas this June and another ten along the US-Canada border by the end of 2016. Following the success of their flagship store in San Ysidro, CEO Philippe Dray envisions a chain of luxury shopping destinations in key cities. The San Ysidro store, located near a busy border crossing, boasts an impressive brand portfolio, beauty services, and a unique shopping experience. Dray emphasizes growth as essential, aiming to redefine traditional border stores with upscale retail environments.
The Pulse had the pleasure of covering the Grand Opening of Duty Free City’s flagship store along the US-Mexico border. Located at 601 East San Ysidro Blvd, this 14,000 sq. ft. luxury shopping destination offers a unique experience with its Nail Bar, Salon, Wine Bar, Cigar Lounge, Men’s Style Lounge, and interactive kids’ area. CEO Phillipe Dray envisions expanding this luxurious retail concept nationwide. Guests at the grand opening enjoyed entertainment, promotions, and a selection of high-end brands like Ferragamo, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace. Duty Free City truly sets a new standard in luxury retail!
MIAMI, Sept. 26, 2024 – Duty Free Holdings, LLC, appoints James Mullaney as President to lead its global expansion. With decades in fashion and retail, Mullaney will focus on growing the brand’s presence in key markets across North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean.
"James' expertise makes him the ideal leader for our next phase," said CEO Philippe Dray. Mullaney brings a wealth of experience from Furla USA and other luxury brands, aiming to introduce new categories and enhance retail experiences.
Former Furla CEO Joins Duty Free Holdings to Drive Global Growth
Duty Free City opened its first location today at 601 East San Ysidro Boulevard, offering a luxurious shopping experience. The 14,000 sq. ft. store features a diverse range of beauty products, fragrances, leather goods, wines, spirits, a cigar lounge, and a City Café. Additional amenities include valet parking and personal shoppers.
As part of the grand opening, local customers are invited to enjoy complimentary services like manicures, facials, and hair trims until October 31. CEO Philippe Dray expressed excitement about bringing an elevated duty-free experience to San Ysidro. The store boasts a premium brand lineup, including Dolce & Gabbana, Estée Lauder, and Versace. More locations are planned across the US borders.
USA. Duty Free Americas, a key player in US border duty-free retail, responded to the entry of competitor Duty Free City. The new company, led by Philippe Dray, plans to open a 14,000 sq. ft. store in San Ysidro this spring, with more locations to follow on both borders.
The major talking point is Duty Free City's inclusion of Estée Lauder products, which Duty Free Americas does not carry due to a legal dispute. Chairman Simon Falic welcomed the competition, noting that Duty Free Americas already operates four stores in San Ysidro, including the largest in the US. He wished success to Lauder’s new partnership, while also highlighting his company’s strong presence in the market.
DFA Responds to New Border Competitor
Duty Free City is set for expansion, with plans to open four new stores in Texas this June and another ten along the US-Canada border by the end of 2016. Following the success of their flagship store in San Ysidro, CEO Philippe Dray envisions a chain of luxury shopping destinations in key cities. The San Ysidro store, located near a busy border crossing, boasts an impressive brand portfolio, beauty services, and a unique shopping experience. Dray emphasizes growth as essential, aiming to redefine traditional border stores with upscale retail environments.
