DFS opens luxurious department store in Venice

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Oct 6, 2016

Hong Kong based luxury travel retailer DFS has opened its first outpost in Europe, a massive 75,347 sq ft department store located on the Grand Canal in one of Venice’s most famous buildings, the 800-year old Fondaco dei Tedeschi.

The one-stop lifestyle department store offers an exceptional collection of the most desired luxury products from Italian and international brands across fashion and accessories, watches and jewellery, wines and spirits, and beauty and fragrances, alongside a carefully curated selection of locally handcrafted artisan products and premium food.

The retail concept, titled T Fondaco dei Tedeschi by DFS, is also set to become a new cultural hub with a calendar of events and exhibitions to complement the city’s programme of activities.

“It is an enormous privilege for DFS to be able to make its first European foothold in Venice, the center of global trade for many centuries and now one of the most popular travel destinations in the world,” said Philippe Schaus, DFS Group’s Chairman and CEO. “T Fondaco dei Tedeschi will be much more than a shopping venue, combining international, Italian and local products, culture and entertainment together with all the experiences of an incredible historic setting.”

Eminent architect and urbanist Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA were appointed to renovate the landmark Fondaco dei Tedeschi building, which began its life as a place of exchange for northern merchants.

The result is a grand trading emporium spanning four stories. Inside, a sumptuous interior design by architect Jamie Fobert celebrates the traditional elements, textures and shapes of Venice.

On the ground floor, originally a bustling medieval courtyard, the store introduces concept boutiques by Gucci and Bottega Veneta, as well as a range of Italian fashion accessories and jewellery. In addition, a carefully selected assortment of food, wine and gifts celebrates local craftsmanship and the Italian zest for life. 

The first floor features women’s fashion, jewellery and accessories from brands including Bulgari, Damiani, Fendi, Lanvin, Max Mara, Tiffany & Co and Valentino, while the second floor houses the city’s only multi-brand luxury watch area along with a curated selection of men’s fashion and accessories brands including Brioni, Burberry, Salvatore Ferragamo, Moncler, Ermenegildo Zegna and more.

Venice’s most exclusive designer shoe salon sits on the third floor, offering women’s shoes from labels such as Aquazzura, René Caovilla, Jimmy Choo and Giuseppe Zanotti, while a beauty and fragrance area presents a large array of leading Italian and international brands including Acqua di Parma, Dior, Estée Lauder, Lancôme, and The Merchant of Venice.

DFS dedicated the fourth floor to host events and exhibitions, which will be open to the public.

The Venetian store joins a portfolio of luxury DFS shopping centres in some of the most iconic travel destinations around the globe, from Los Angeles to Sydney, Honolulu to Okinawa, Hong Kong to Singapore, and Bali to Siem Reap. 

“Each of our downtown department stores reflects DFS’ passion for travel, quality merchandise and exceptional customer service and experience,” said Philippe Schaus. “With T Fondaco dei Tedeschi, we are proud to set a new global benchmark in the world of luxury department stores and to re-establish the connection between commerce and culture in the historic heart of Venice.”