Concept store for David Jones
David Jones is to lease the space being vacated by Myer at a large shopping centre in New South Wales.
Myer has decided not to renew the lease at Wollongong Central in Illawarra as part of its new strategy to consolidate its store network.
It will extend David Jones’ footprint in the area, with its existing Crown street store.
The move comes as the group rolls out its new concept stores.
David Jones said it identified Wollongong as ‘‘important’’ for its business.
David Jones chief executive John Dixon said the new store would ‘‘see us elevate our offering to deliver a premium retail experience at a prime location in the heart of the city’s fashion and entertainment precinct’’.
‘‘The Illawarra is an important market for David Jones and one we are proud to invest in.
‘‘The major refurbishment of Wollongong Central, combined with a loyal and discerning customer base, underscores this opportunity.’’
This comes almost a year after David Jones announced it was setting up shop in Wellington.
It will be the first New Zealand site of the chain and will open on the former site of troubled Wellington department store Kirkcaldie and Stains.
GPT Group’s wholesale shopping centre fund owns Wollongong Central and has spent A$213 million (NZ$227m) upgrading the site, while the Wollongong City Council has improved Crown Street Mall, Keira St and Globe Lane.
Wollongong Central’s regional general manager Antony Keenan said the new David Jones store was another ‘‘major milestone’’ in the transformation of Wollongong’s CBD.
‘‘Bringing David Jones into Wollongong Central with a new format, along with the soon-to-be announced entry of an international fashion brand to the centre, shows the confidence that exists in the centre and in Wollongong’s CBD.’’
The David Jones store will be 8600 square metres of traditional department retailing and will operate across three floors, offering a mix of fashion, beauty, accessories, home and expanded food courts.