Aerial view of Garapan, Saipan seen from Mt Tapochao, Saipan's highest peak. Photo: 123RF
Luxury retail store DFS (Duty Free Shoppers) Saipan is shutting up shop with their last day at the end of business day on 30 April, 2025.
In a statement, the company said the DFS Group has made the difficult decision to close its operations after more than 40 years in Saipan in the Northern Marianas (CNMI).
"This closure is the result of challenging economic conditions, compounded by the departure of luxury brands, which have significantly impacted the stores' appeal and profitability.
"Despite our best efforts to continue the operations, the circumstances around the current landscape have made it unsustainable to continue. The decision is also part of DFS's broader strategy to streamline our global operations and refocus on key, profitable markets in Asia."
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The Hong Kong-based company said during this transition, its utmost priority is to support its employees, whose commitment has been the heart of its success.
"We are immensely grateful for their hard work, passion, and contributions over the years.
"W also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Saipan community, our customers, and partners for their trust and support over the years."
DFS Saipan opened its Garapan location on 17 July, 1976, the same time its Saipan International Airport shop and the Saipan Beach InterContinental Hotel (now the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan) also opened.
Governor Arnold Palacios and Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds acknowledged the closing.
Palacios said DFS also confirmed closures in other cities, including DFS Gallerias and airport stores in other locations outside the CNMI.
While the decision to close may be part of DFS' broader strategy to streamline global operations, Palacios said there is no denying the impact DFS' closure will have at the local-level.
"That's because DFS has been more than just a business that has contributed to the economic and workforce development of our islands; it has been a cornerstone of our community," he said.
"DFS was always there to offer philanthropic support with in-kind contributions, financial donations, and community service."
King-Hinds said at the end of the day it was a business decision.
"They just didn't have the customers they needed to justify keeping their doors open."
Palacios said the departure of DFS underscores the CNMI's need diversify its economy and not solely rely on one industry.
"We are actively seeking partnerships that align with the vision for sustainable development," he said.
"This includes improving and modernizing infrastructure, diversifying the CNMI tourism source markets, leveraging military development into other spin-off industries, expanding our digital and telecommunications services, and cultivating other sustainable industries that will bring economic growth and sustainable jobs for our people."
Community members have also commented.
Jack Muna said DFS closing down is a bad image to the islands and its tourists.
"The CNMI is the loser. Our government is not doing enough to protect businesses on the island, and that is why our people also are leaving to look for a better life somewhere.
"There's nothing left here except empty hotels and empty business buildings. The economy is very bad."
Palocios last month submitted a proposed revised 2025 budget amid concerns tourist arrivals will plummet, but leaders have announced a slight increase in revenue collections in the 2024 financial year.
