David Jones opening in Westfield Newmarket

Friday, 9 February 2018

Scentre Group Announces NZ $790 Million World-Class Westfield Newmarket Redevelopment

Australian department store David Jones is set to open in Auckland following months of speculation.

The store, in Westfield Newmarket, will be the retailer's second in New Zealand after it opened in Wellington two years ago.

A David Jones spokeswoman previously poured cold water on rumours, saying, 'we are always looking at opportunities, however, don't have any plans to open an additional store in New Zealand at this stage'.

An artist's impression of the David Jone's store inside Westfield Newmarket, following its $790 million redevelopment.

However, on Friday, David Jones chief executive David Thomas announced the company would be opening a store as part of the redevelopment of the mall.

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'We've been assessing the opportunity in Auckland since opening the store in Wellington,' Thomas said.

'We're very committed to investing in our stores, we're very committed to creating beautiful stores. We've done that in Wellington, and are certainly looking to do the same in Newmarket.'

The new store would create 150 new jobs.

The company was working on setting up its New Zealand website, which could launch before the opening of the Newmarket store in 2019, Thomas said.

'Online is a very unique opportunity for us. I think ultimately when we launch online the combination of online and bricks experience together will certainly be what sets us apart.'

The company had no immediate plans for a third story in New Zealand, he said.

'We'll get this one right before we consider anything further.'

Woolworths Holdings, which owns David Jones and the Country Road Group, are under financial pressure.

Last month, the Woolworths announced sales had fallen 3.7 per cent at David Jones.

Westfield Newmarket owners Scentre Group is spending $790 million redeveloping the mall. which will also a new format Farmers department store, a Countdown supermarket and more than 230 specialty stores.

In addition, there will be a rooftop lifestyle, dining and entertainment precinct, a new Event Cinemas offering V-Max and Gold Class.

Scentre Group chief executive Greg Miles said the presence of David Jones reignited Newmarket's reputation as being 'the fashion capital of the country'.

However, the redevelopment was not just about shopping, he said.

'It's [also] about lifestyle. There will be gyms, cinema, entertainment food and beverage. It'll have a very extended life and we really expect it to become the heart of the community here.'

'On completion, Westfield Newmarket will represent a premium fashion, food, technology, lifestyle and entertainment experience unrivalled in New Zealand,' Miles said.

It would also offer a range of concierge services, which 'will set a new standard in customer experience', including valet parking, a styling suite and hands-free shopping, Miles said.

'Westfield Newmarket will become the flagship 'living centre' for the group's New Zealand portfolio and set a new benchmark in extraordinary retail and lifestyle destinations.'

Scentre Group owns 39 Westfield malls in Australia and New Zealand.

The redevelopment is due for completion at the end of next year.