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The House of
Suntory partners with China Duty Free
Group to open world's first stand-alone
boutique in Hainan.
The House of Suntory, the founding
pioneer of Japanese whisky, has launched
its first-ever free-standing boutique at
the cdf Haikou International Duty Free
Shopping Complex in Hainan. This debut,
in collaboration with China Duty Free
Group, marks a significant milestone in
the brand’s global expansion.
As Hainan’s Free Trade Port policies are
fully implemented this year, the
location is set to become an
increasingly attractive destination for
affluent Chinese consumers seeking
premium retail and travel
experiences—many of which were
previously pursued overseas.
Celebrating Japanese Craft and Culture
Spanning 49.5 square meters, the
boutique’s concept draws from Suntory
Global Spirits’ deep connection to
Japanese art and tradition. The design
reflects the brand’s dedication to
immersive, culturally rich retail
environments, reinforcing its commitment
to cultivating strong relationships with
Chinese consumers.
The space pays tribute to founder
Shinjiro Torii’s bold philosophy of
"Yatte Minahare"—the spirit of dreaming
big and embracing new challenges. The
boutique incorporates three core design
principles that echo the essence of the
House of Suntory and its renowned
portfolio. Key features include a
dramatic floor-to-ceiling Kigumi lattice
structure, symbolising the Japanese
woodworking technique, along with Washi
paper screens and Sumi calligraphy.
Digital displays showcase seasonal
imagery and landscapes, reinforcing the
harmony between Japanese nature and
craftsmanship (Monozukuri).
Omotenashi: The Art of Japanese
Hospitality
The boutique delivers an elevated
shopping experience rooted in Omotenashi,
the Japanese philosophy of hospitality,
expressed through thoughtful services
and ceremonial elements.
Organised into four zones, the space
invites visitors to explore the full
House of Suntory portfolio, including
rare and aged whiskies from Yamazaki,
Hakushu, and Hibiki. A dedicated
limited-edition section highlights some
of the most exclusive and collectible
expressions.
To celebrate the boutique’s opening, a
rare selection of high-aged whiskies is
available for purchase, including Hibiki
21, 30, and 40; Yamazaki 25; and Hakushu
25. Limited releases such as Hakushu
Peated Malt 18 and Yamazaki Mizunara 18
from the 2024 Tsukuriwake Edition are
also on offer. A series of curated
events is planned to further enrich the
consumer experience.
An exclusive private bar, designed to
evoke the tranquility of a Japanese Zen
garden, offers guided tastings of The
House of Suntory’s most prestigious
expressions.
Additionally, the boutique introduces
The Art of Japanese Gifting—a bespoke
gifting experience featuring collectible
items and premium gift-with-purchase
options.
"This stand-alone space allows us to
showcase the artistry and craftsmanship
of our prestigious whisky portfolio,
within an environment that truly
embodies the Japanese concept of
Omotenashi – exceptional, personalised
hospitality," commented Suntory Global
Spirits Managing Director Global Travel
Retail Ashish Gandham. "We are very
grateful to China Duty Free Group for
their partnership and for providing us
with an exceptional opportunity to
exemplify our commitment to premiumising
the GTR spirits category, and to
delivering unforgettable experiences to
discerning shoppers by bringing our
brand world to life in-store."
"We are delighted to mark the strong
spirit of collaboration between our two
companies with this landmark opening,"
noted CDFG. "This beautiful boutique
truly sets a new benchmark for the
premium spirits category. It aligns
perfectly with our commitment to retail
and experiential excellence, and to
offering unique, luxury shopping
opportunities for our valued patrons."
You will find the current
House of Suntory portfolio of whisky available from specialist online whisky
shops such as
The Whisky Exchange
and
Master of Malt
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