International brand Tiffany has confirmed it will open its first New Zealand store at Britomart centre in close proximity to Auckland’s waterfront later next year.
It will be followed by Chanel and perchance by Apple and Zara if rumours pan out.
These brands will join the ranks of Louis Vuitton, Prada, Christian Dior and Gucci.
This influx is partly a result of the rejuvenation that has taken place in Auckland’s CBD.
Glen Schlehuber, Tiffany‘s Australian vice present and MD, says the iconic jewellery store will bring a new level of luxury jewellery to Auckland, selling items by Paloma Picasso and others.
The only other NZ store which stocks Tiffany’s jewellery is the DFS Galleria in Auckland.
Schlehuber confirms the business will open late 2016 in the ground floor of Australis House at 36 to 38 Customs Street, which is under renovation. He adds that Tiffany is enthusiastic about its “magnificent store” in Auckland.
“We have many loyal Tiffany customers in NZ and have been looking to establish a presence for some time, and the location at Britomart is perfect.”
According to Colliers, the retail sector in Auckland has lifted over the last year.
“The level of demand for retail space in Auckland CBD, the suburbs and shopping centres symbolise a market on fire,” says a spokesperson.
“Vacancy rates are down across all of Auckland. Auckland region’s 2.4 per cent vacancy rate is the lowest since late 2007. Shopping centre vacancy is less than one per cent across more than 1 million sqm of space.
“Auckland’s CBD had been outstanding, with retail vacancies falling from three per cent in late 2014 to 2.5 per cent by June 2015.”
For many operators, this rate of leasing activity had never been experienced before.
“In recent months, we have recorded 15 new leases on Queen St north of Victoria Street East,” said the spokesperson.
“Nespresso is taking space occupied by TaroCash on the Customs St East/Queen St corner. Hugo Boss is taking space occupied by Michael Hill, about to move into their new premises on the corner of Vulcan Lane and Queen St. Elizabeth Arden will move to 62 Queen St, next door to the Quest on Queen and that shop opens in October.
“Life Pharmacy will move into Rip Curl’s space on Queen St and a Hardy’s Health Stores outlet is moving in a few doors down.
“Macpac have moved into the old Billabong shop. Global Culture is moving to premises in 94 to 96 Queen St and across the road Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant will open in 125 Queen St.
“Spark is moving into the old Fix Convenience store on the corner of Wyndham and Queen St, with Peter Alexander moving in to Spark’s old premises. Accent Group are moving in between Just Jeans and Country Road and Farmers is taking over Whitcoulls.”
