This will be the first David Jones store to open outside Australia, marking a significant moment in the department store's 177-year history. David Jones CEO, Iain Nairn said, "This is an exciting new venture, giving us a significant initial presence in New Zealand's growing market with a prime location in the capital, Wellington."
It will open its New Zealand flagship store in Lambton Quay, Wellington on the site of department store Kirkcaldie & Stains. Under an agreement subject to a number of conditions precedent, including Kirkcaldie & Stains shareholder approval, David Jones will take a lease assignment of the store and purchase the brand name when Kirkcaldie & Stains ceases to trade in February 2016. It also intends to offer employment to the majority of the current retail workforce.
"We were excited when Kirkcaldie & Stains approached us. David Jones is a recognised brand in New Zealand and we are confident this building in this city is the perfect home for our first New Zealand store. We are proud to reinvigorate the historic retail space and maintain it as the home of New Zealand's premium department store, when we open David Jones Wellington next year."
Nairn said the launch aims to inspire New Zealand shoppers, offering them access to an extensive selection of quality brands. "We'll be bringing an edit of our range to the market to offer New Zealanders an expanded assortment of Australian, international and private label brands. We're also looking forward to seeing more from New Zealand designers."
The sore is set to open for trade in mid-2016 following an internal upgrade of the current department store. It will reflect the department store's 'Next Generation' store concept with a fully modernised interior.
Commenting on the redesign Nairn said, "We will preserve the heritage-listed frontage whilst completely renovating the interior. Our aim is to create a world class shopping environment with quality finishing and latest retail technology that shoppers expect from a premium department store."
Nairn, who was CEO of Witchery Group and then Country Road Group before taking the helm at David Jones, said the success of these brands and a positive experience launching Witchery and Mimco in New Zealand had, in part, influenced the department store's response to the opportunity. David Jones was acquired by WHL in August 2014, making WHL one of the top ten global department store operators, focussed on the Southern Hemisphere.
