Duty-Free Alcohol Availability At Palm Springs Airport

As of June 2023, Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) does not have any duty-free shops for alcohol, although there are gift shops and plans to bring duty-free shopping to the airport. In July 2023, Marshall Retail Group will begin renovating the airport's retail spaces, with plans to introduce PSP's first duty-free shopping experience.

Palm Springs Airport to add duty-free shopping in 2023

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) in California is set to introduce its first duty-free shopping experience in 2023, along with doubling its restaurant capacity and integrating Amazon's Just Walk Out shopping technology. The airport, located just 2.8 miles from the city centre, is easily accessible and offers a range of amenities for travellers.

Current Amenities at Palm Springs Airport

Currently, PSP offers an array of options for travellers, including full-service dining, hot and cold beverages, grab-and-go snacks, and retail outlets. The airport features an open-air courtyard beyond the security checkpoint, which includes artistic installations, water features, patio seating, and a playground and pet area. Travellers can also enjoy locally roasted Joshua Tree Coffee, unique gifts and souvenirs, and a selection of hand-crafted goods from local artisans.

Future Developments at Palm Springs Airport

In 2023, PSP will introduce duty-free shopping for the first time. This development is part of a new concessions program aimed at creating a local feel and showcasing the charm of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. The Marshall Retail Group will oversee the transformation of PSP's retail spaces, incorporating local businesses and curating a unique shopping experience.

Restaurant Enhancements

In addition to the duty-free shopping experience, PSP will also double its restaurant capacity. New dining options will include local favourites such as El Mirasol and Coachella Valley Coffee Co., bringing a taste of downtown Palm Springs to the airport. This expansion will provide travellers with an even greater variety of culinary choices, enhancing their overall airport experience.

With the introduction of duty-free shopping and an expanded restaurant selection, PSP is committed to elevating the travel experience for both locals and tourists. These developments showcase the airport's dedication to innovation and community engagement, creating a vibrant and dynamic hub for travellers from around the globe.

No duty-free shops currently at the airport

Although Palm Springs International Airport offers a delightful array of options, including full-service dining, hot and cold beverages, grab-and-go snacks, retail shops, and more, there are currently no duty-free shops at the airport.

The airport is, however, set to undergo a transformation, with plans to double the number of restaurants and introduce its first duty-free shopping experience. The Marshall Retail Group (Marshall) has been selected to take over and renovate PSP's retail shops, bringing in more local retail options and the airport's first duty-free shopping experience.

Marshall, which operates retail shops in over 40 airports across the US, will begin renovations in July 2023, with an expected completion date in October. They plan to open six retail shops, including Uptown Essentials, which will offer souvenirs, travel essentials, books, gifts, and an emphasis on mid-century modern design. Another planned concept is Hey Joshua, which will showcase Joshua Tree National Park, located just 45 minutes from the airport. This shop will feature items from local artisans, including Joshua Tree Candle Co., Molly Moon Crafts, Opal Atlas, and Joshua Tree Desert Rose.

While there are currently no duty-free shops at the airport, passengers can still purchase alcohol and other beverages from the various restaurants and cafes available. Additionally, gift shops are present at the airport, offering a range of products to browse and purchase.

Alcohol cheaper in the US than in Canada

There are gift shops at Palm Springs International Airport, but no duty-free shops for alcohol. However, there are duty-free shopping opportunities for alcohol at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Alcohol is generally cheaper in the US than in Canada. This is mainly due to taxes. In the US, sales tax on alcohol varies from nothing in states like New Hampshire to around 9.5% in Louisiana; the average is around 5%. In Canada, sales taxes are higher, varying from 11% to 15% in most provinces, except for Alberta and some Arctic territories, which have a 5% sales tax.

In addition to sales tax, the base prices of alcohol in Canada are affected by tax. Canada's alcohol taxes are notably higher than in the US, as the country uses these taxes to discourage excessive alcohol consumption for public health reasons. As a result, most Canadians are buying alcohol that their provincial government has marked up by 100 to 200% per bottle. For example, a six-pack of Heineken bottles (330ml) in Ontario, Canada, costs $15.49 Canadian dollars (just under $11 USD) before tax. In the US, a 12-ounce bottle of Heineken (355ml) costs $1.50-$2.50 less than in Canada, even before factoring in sales tax.

The price difference is especially noticeable for Canadian Club whisky. A bottle of Canadian Club whisky costs less than half the price in California than in Windsor, Ontario, despite the whisky being manufactured in Windsor.

Marshall Retail Group to operate duty-free shops

It is unclear whether duty-free alcohol is available at Palm Springs Airport. While some sources indicate that there are duty-free shopping opportunities at the airport, others state that there are no duty-free shops available for purchasing items such as alcohol.

Now, here is some information on Marshall Retail Group, which operates duty-free shops:

Marshall Retail Group (MRG) is a leading specialty retailer in the airport and casino-resort marketplace in the United States. With over 65 years of experience, MRG has established itself as a prominent force in the industry, offering unique and attractive brands in more than 300 standalone stores, with over half of them operating inside 46 airports across the nation.

MRG's success lies in its ability to create unique experiences for its customers by developing retail store concepts that showcase the local culture, community, and lifestyle of the cities in which they are located. This approach has allowed them to stand out and cater to the diverse needs and interests of travellers passing through these airports.

MRG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of WH Smith, a global leader in providing news, books, and convenience items to travellers worldwide. The partnership between MRG and WH Smith has resulted in the opening of new retail concepts at various international airports, including Vancouver, Edmonton, and Chicago O'Hare.

In addition to its focus on creating unique shopping experiences, MRG has also expanded its reach by partnering with other brands. For example, WH Smith North America has collaborated with Lee's Donuts to bring this local favourite to Vancouver International Airport.

Marshall Retail Group has left an indelible mark on the airport and casino-resort retail industry, enhancing the travel experience for countless customers through its innovative and immersive shopping concepts.

Duty-free shops to sell souvenirs, travel essentials, books, and gifts

Duty-free shops are a great way to purchase souvenirs, travel essentials, books, and gifts at discounted prices. These shops first emerged in 1947 when an Irish visionary, Brendan O'Regan, opened a kiosk at Shannon Airport, selling Irish whiskey and local souvenirs to passengers waiting for their transatlantic planes to refuel. Today, duty-free retail is a global industry, offering travellers a wide range of products at major airports worldwide.

When it comes to Palm Springs Airport, there is conflicting information about the availability of duty-free shops. One source mentions the presence of duty-free shopping opportunities at six different shops around the airport, where travellers can purchase perfumes, colognes, cigarettes, alcohol, food items, confectionery, and souvenirs. However, other sources suggest that there are gift shops at the airport but no duty-free shops for alcohol. It is recommended that travellers take advantage of the lower prices for liquor found in grocery stores in Palm Springs, as duty-free prices may not offer significant savings.

Duty-free shops typically offer a range of products, including fragrances, cosmetics, watches, gifts, jewellery, liquor, tobacco, and travel-related merchandise. These items can be great for personal use or as gifts for others. It is important to note that when returning to the US, goods purchased duty-free may still be subject to duty. Personal exemptions for duty vary depending on the countries visited, with values of $200, $800, or $1600. Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are allowed in limited quantities within the duty-free personal exemption. Gifts must be declared and may be included in the value of the exemption, as long as they are not for business or commercial purposes.

For travellers seeking duty-free shopping, it is essential to plan and research in advance. Some airports, like Palm Springs, may have limited options or focus on specific types of products. Understanding the rules and regulations around duty-free purchases, especially when returning to your home country, is crucial to avoid unexpected costs or issues during customs inspections. Additionally, comparing prices between duty-free shops and local stores can help travellers make informed decisions, as sometimes local stores may offer competitive prices, especially in countries like the US, where certain items are already relatively inexpensive.

Frequently asked questions