Peace Arch opens permanent store

Gavin Lipsith

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The Canadian border operator has moved into a permanent outlet after a long and tangled three-year process

The 26,000sq ft (2,416sq m) outlet will serve the crossing's predominantly US traffic, which exceeds 2m cars and 5m passengers each year. The outlets will focus on liquor, tobacco and fragrances and cosmetics.

Speaking to local press Peace Arch president Peter Raju was optimistic but cautious about the general issues facing the Canadian border trade, including the strength of the US dollar and the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which will stop people from crossing the border without a passport or other approved identification.

Raju's company holds a 20-year lease with the Semiahmoo after acquiring 49% of Douglas Crossing Duty Free, which was awarded a licence to operate duty-free at the site in 2003.