Auckland will welcome its first David Jones store on November 21 at Westfield Newmarket as the centre unveils the last stage of its $790 million redevelopment.
The 7000sqm store set in two levels will be David Jones’ second in New Zealand. The Australian retailer, owned by South Africa’s Woolworths Holdings, opened their first NZ store in 2016 in Wellington.
The new David Jones store will include hundreds of brands, interactive fitting rooms, a beauty hall and designer accessories area.
Westfield Newmarket will also launch a Scentre first during the opening: a dedicated tourism lounge. The lounge, presented by Alipay, will cater to both international and domestic travellers complete with translator services.
According to Scentre, the new tourism lounge is a space for visitors to relax during transit. The lounge also allows customers to store their belongings in the area while they explore Westfield Newmarket and its surroundings.
Other stores that will open on November 21 include Mecca, Maje, Sandro, Country Road, Witchery, Trenery, Veronika Maine and menswear label Politix to name a few.
The centre’s gourmet market on Level 3, anchored by Countdown which will reopen its store on the same day, will be unveiled. The precinct will include a fresh food market which will feature a diverse range of local operators, Tai Ping, Bird on a Wire, Master Bao, Canto Canto, Classic Bakehouse, Gong Cha, St Pierre’s Sushi, Bowl and Arrow, Red Rabbit Coffee Co and more.
Flight Centre, Specsavers, Shaver Shop, Cinderella Beauty, The Beauty and Brow Parlour, Laser Clinics New Zealand, Phone Zone and more will open their stores on Level 3.
John Papagiannis, Scentre Group director for leasing and retail solutions and development NZ, said the final stage of the redevelopment would solidify Westfield Newmarket as a new benchmark for retail in New Zealand, making it a must-visit attraction for locals and international visitors.
“We’ve consistently said that what we’re aiming to deliver at Westfield Newmarket will set a new benchmark in retail, a true experience destination for locals and visitors alike,” Papagiannis said.
Papagiannis said more retailers and luxury brands are expected to open by middle of next year.
With its redevelopment, the Westfield Newmarket shopping centre now spans five levels with an air-bridge connecting the two ends of the centre. It includes a rooftop dining and entertainment precinct, a fresh food marketplace, casual dining eatery, a tourism lounge, a first-to-market hands-free shopping service and a multi-level car park featuring valet services.
“Designed to provide a convenient and seamless experience, hands-free shopping allows valet customers to purchase and leave their items to be collected and delivered to their car,” Scentre stated.
Both services are available to Westfield Plus members at member priced rates as well as non-members.
Other retailers to open in the coming weeks and months include New Zealand’s first Lego Certified Store, opening tomorrow, H&M on December 12 and Events Cinema featuring Gold Class and Vmax as well as a COS and several luxury brands to follow in 2020.
