Queenstown CBD duty free mall to close

The multi storey DFS duty free store in the centre of Queenstown's CBD is shutting down operations.

Opened less than three years ago the store is being closed as part of a regional DFS strategy review that will see closures in Queenstown, Auckland and Sydney.

The 2022 DFS Queenstown opening ceremony. Pictured l-r: DFS General Manager Mario Sandulescu, Mayor of Queenstown Glyn Lewers, DFS Vice President Retail Operations Prashant Mahboobani, DFS Assistant General manager Gary Pollastrini

The review has already led to closures in several locations including Saipan, Fondaco dei Tedeschi in Venice and an exit from DFS Group’s interest in the LVMH-controlled La Samaritaine store in Paris.

“This decision reflects challenging economic conditions and is aligned with DFS’ broader strategy to optimise global operations,” DFS said.

There have many occasions when the Queenstown DFS store has been almost deserted

The Sydney store will remain open until 10 September while the New Zealand businesses will close on 30 September.

The building is owned by Queenstown based Skyline who are expected to be looking for new tenants in the near future.