Fort Worth-based retail development company, CBI Retail Ventures, has unveiled its largest airport project to-date. The new 19,000-square-foot, two-level TRG Duty Free is now located inside Terminal D at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
According to a news release, the store is also the largest and most technologically advanced duty-free store in the Western Hemisphere.
TRG Duty Free opened its doors Wednesday, Dec. 20. According to the release, the new store aims to offer DFW travelers an “unparalleled experiential shopping environment that masterfully integrates world-class retail, exclusive high-end local brands, VIP concierge services, cutting-edge technology and world-renowned art all in one location.”
“We are proud to not only have developed the largest duty free store in the Western Hemisphere, but also have designed a first-of-its-kind immersive store experience at DFW Airport,” Steve Flory, CBI Retail Ventures CEO, said in the release. “The end result reflects the convergence of entertainment and retail, as well as the coming together of digital and physical experiences.”
TRG Duty Free was founded by Flory and Benny Klepach, CEO of Miami-based Duty Free Air and Ship Supply Company, who previously owned and operated Buckaroo Duty Free at DFW Airport, which was the predecessor of TRG Duty Free.
Other partners involved with the creation of TRG Duty Free include Vancouver, Canada-based SmartDesign Group; Fort Worth-based Innovative Strategies; and Irving-based Charles Bush Consulting.
“This truly marks the pinnacle of DFW Airport’s goal of being a world-class global superhub,” Flory continued. “It is a blend of international couture, state-of-the-art technology, and luxurious services — all while capturing the spirit and beauty of modern Texas.”
The two-story store includes two mezzanines, $2 million in digital displays and interactive technology with multilingual content. There are also two hold rooms, which feature seating clusters, charging stations, 50-plus iPads with interactive apps and elevated work stations, in addition to two free and open-to-the-public luxury lounges.
The store uses. sustainable design elements including low-profile raised flooring, 100 percent high efficiency LED lighting, LED technology-powered digital displays and a daylight-optimized building footprint with high-performance glazing systems.
Other features include:
— Statement artworks and monumental sculptures by artist James Surls
— Two “heli-pads” that utilize air space and serve as landing zones for large-scale sculptures by James Surls
— Tasting bars integrated into retail for product sampling and demos
— VIP concierge service stations to provide informational assistance and specialty services
— Exclusive goods from iconic local brands, such as TX Whiskey, Bohlin, and Askinosie Chocolate
— Semi-circular “immersive promotional pod” filled with floor-to-ceiling seamless digital monitors for videos, advertisements and brand launches
— The first Armani Exchange store located inside the secure space of an airport
— The first Ulysse Nardin watch boutique located within a duty-free environment in a North American airport
— Retail from international luxury brands, including Estee Lauder, La Mer, Dior, Lancôme, Prada, Hermes, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrara, Paco Robanne, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Bvlgari, IWC, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, Armani, YSL, Chanel, Burberry, D&G, Omega, Tom Ford, Calvin Klein, and Hugo Boss
For more information on TRG Duty Free, visit www.TRGDutyFree.com.