Press Release

Border Business Journal, Winter 1999

Calexico Store Now Open!

BAJA DUTY FREE is pleased to announce the expansion of their duty free retail business on the US/Mexican border with the recent opening (December 1999) of the new store in Calexico, California.  This additional store reflects the success of its other stores in San Ysidro, CA, (at Tijuana) and Eagle Pass, TX, (at Piedras Negras).  Instrumental in the growth of Baja Duty Free has been the expertise of its parent company, Fairn & Swanson, Inc.  Established more than 50 years ago, Fairn & Swanson is recognized as the largest duty free wholesaler and distributor on the West Coast of North America, and as one of the leaders in the American duty-free industry.

The original 1,000 square foot Baja Duty Free store opened its doors in 1989 in San Ysidro, California.  By 1994, the store expanded its size to 5,500 square feet.  Another expansion is underway in San Ysidro that will almost double the duty-free store to about 10,000 square feet.  With the growing demand in the duty free market, in 1996, a second successful Baja Duty Free was opened in Eagle Pass, Texas.

The secret of success for Baja Duty Free is relatively simple.  The retail operation carries top quality duty free brands.  Major product lines include cigarettes, imported and domestic liquor, fragrances, leather goods, accessories, sunglasses, candies, and crystal.

Fairn & Swanson's goal is to create more awareness to the benefit of shopping duty free.  The savings to the consumer is substantial.  Travelers going to Mexico can purchase brand name luxury merchandise at prices that are 20 to 60 percent lower than U.S. retail prices.  The savings along with the continued commitment to customer service is what Fairn & Swanson plans to bring to Baja Duty Free Calexico.

"The company, as well as myself personally, is very excited to join the community of Calexico," states future Calexico store manager, Carlos O'Connor.  "Calexico, being the gateway to the capital of Baja, presents so much opportunity.  Getting the community to understand and take advantage of our business will be my first challenge."

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