THE Top End is to have its first full-line department store.
Myer has announced it will open its first store in Darwin, with the outlet to be a two-level 12,000 sq m store featuring a large range of apparel, cosmetics, homewares and electrical merchandise.
Chief executive Bernie Brookes said the venture would be Darwin's first full-line department store and would enable Myer to reach a significant growth area and a new customer base in the north of Australia.
"As we optimise our store network across the country, Darwin is the ideal location for a new store, and will expand our customer base and footprint into the Northern Territory for the first time," Mr Brookes said. "Darwin is a region of significant economic growth, and the community support for the addition of a Myer store has been tremendous."
Myer, the country's biggest department store, has joined with property company GPT Group to be a part of the proposed expansion of Darwin's Casuarina Square Shopping Centre.
The store is likely to benefit from the mining boom, which has touched regional areas of Australia, as well as the Northern Territory's growing popularity as a tourist destination.
"The store will be in an ideal location for us," Mr Brookes said.
"Casuarina Square is already a well-established centre that has a strong customer offer including specialty retail, supermarkets, discount department stores and a cinema.
"We believe the addition of a full-line Myer store will further strengthen the customer proposition," he said.
It comes as Myer seeks to expand its current store network from 66 to as many as 75 by 2015-16.
When Myer floated on the Australian Securities Exchange in November 2009 its prospectus said the department store owner wanted to operate out of 80 locations by 2014.
However, those growth plans have had to be reined in following the global financial crisis, a pull-back in consumer spending and a decision to walk away from overpriced leases at underperforming shopping centres.
Myer has closed two stores this year but is planning to open two new ones (in Queensland and Victoria) in September and October.
Shares in Myer ended 2? weaker at $1.60.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What did Myer announce about opening a new Myer Darwin store?
Myer has announced it will open its first full-line department store in Darwin — a two-level, 12,000 sq m store at Casuarina Square offering apparel, cosmetics, homewares and electrical merchandise.
Why is Darwin a strategic location for Myer's expansion?
Myer's chief executive Bernie Brookes said Darwin is an ideal location because it represents a significant growth area and a new customer base in the north of Australia. The region is benefiting from the mining boom and increasing tourism, and community support for a Myer store has been strong.
What is the partnership between Myer and the GPT Group for Casuarina Square?
Myer has joined with property company GPT Group to be part of the proposed expansion of Darwin's Casuarina Square shopping centre, placing the new full-line store within an established retail hub.
How will the new Darwin store fit into Casuarina Square’s retail offering?
Casuarina Square already features specialty retail, supermarkets, discount department stores and a cinema; Myer expects that adding a full-line department store will strengthen the centre’s overall customer proposition.
What are Myer's current store expansion targets and how have they changed?
Myer aims to grow its store network from 66 to as many as 75 by 2015–16. Earlier, when Myer floated in November 2009 it targeted 80 locations by 2014, but those plans were scaled back after the global financial crisis and weaker consumer spending.
Has Myer been opening or closing stores recently?
The article reports Myer closed two stores this year but is planning to open two new ones — in Queensland and Victoria — in September and October.
How might regional economic trends like the mining boom affect Myer's performance in Darwin?
The article suggests the Darwin store is likely to benefit from the mining boom's impact on regional areas and from the Northern Territory's growing appeal as a tourist destination, which could support sales at a full-line department store.
What did the article say about Myer's share price around this announcement?
According to the article, Myer shares ended 2% weaker at $1.60 on the day referenced.
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