Duty Free Americas unveils new Buffalo Store

Gavin Lipsith

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The border store at Peace Bridge crossing marks a radical change in layout to the company's other stores on the US northern border

Duty Free Americas (DFA) opened its new outlet at the Peace Bridge crossing between the US and Canada, offering a different format to its other stores on the northern US border. The shop, which was moved to make way for new in-bound traffic lanes, features beauty products at the front of the outlet and liquor and tobacco at the back.

The retail space at the store has been expanded by 1,500 sq ft (139sq m) to 8,000sq ft (743sq m). DFA director of operations northern border Dan Slefinger told RavenFox.com that the new layout was intended to boost penetration in the fragrances and cosmetics category.

"Most people come into the store to buy liquor and tobacco, " said Selfinger. "So it makes sense to walk them through the other categories first."

The store also offers counter service rather than self-service for beauty products, which Slefinger hoped would encouraged high levels of customer service and better interaction between customers and staff.

If successful the company will consider rolling out the new layout to other stores on the border as they become available for refurbishment. Slefinger said the work planned by bridge authorities would mean that about three more locations could be renovated over the next two years.