Retail giant opens its doors

The evolution of DFO Cairns continues today with the launch of another bigname store.

A large crowd is expected at the Westcourt shopping hub for the launch of TK Maxx, a retailer with more than 3800 stores globally.

It comes after Trade Secret was sold to TJX, the parent company of TK Maxx, for $80 million in 2015.

DFO Cairns centre manager Alex Stagg said the opening of another renowned trader at the centre was “good for the city”, adding that the centre was well on its way to trading to its fullest potential.

THE evolution of DFO Cairns continues today with the launch of another big-name store.

A large crowd is expected at the Westcourt shopping hub for the launch of TK Maxx, a well-known fashion and homewares retailer with more than 3800 stores globally.

It comes after Trade Secret was sold to TJX, the parent company of TK Maxx, for $80 million in 2015.

DFO Cairns centre manager Alex Stagg said the opening of another renowned trader at the centre was “good for the city”.

“There will be a solid turnout in terms of numbers, TK Maxx is going to be doing some entertainment and hope- fully a lot of people come down to check out all the new brands,” he said.

“We are focused on bringing better shopping to Cairns, and are talking to a variety of national and local operators, so hopefully we can get the best of the bunch.

“We want the centre to trade to its fullest potential, and we are well under way.”

Sentinel Property Group has invested heavily in DFO Cairns after buying the 8.15ha Mulgrave Rd site for almost $40 million last year.

A “mall-straightening project” has just been completed while the new “DFOOD” outdoor dining and entertainment precinct is in its early stages.

Catalogue Clothing, Diana Ferrari and Colorado are among the other prominent fashion brands to open at DFO Cairns. The rebranded Trade Secret store, now TK Maxx, opens at 9am today.

“As an ‘off price retailer’, it will bring hundreds of big name brands from all over the world to Cairns at incredible savings,” said Sentinel chief marketing officer Michael Sherlock.

“We are proud to be delivering TK Maxx to Cairns for the first time.”

Picture: ANNA ROGERS BAG A BARGAIN: TK Maxx sales assistant Aliesha Smith and store manager Pauline Lawless (in front) with DFO centre manager Alex Stagg, and other TK Maxx staff members Rebecca Riberio, Sharon Daddow, Jillian Taylor, Nathan Taylor and Kaycey Brewster.