Emporium Melbourne continues to diversify its retail offering with a broad mix of local and international brands. In the past 12 months, Emporium has completed 58 deals; 32 new deals, including five relocations and 26 renewals.

In the past six months, Emporium Melbourne has welcomed several new retailers including Onitsuka Tiger, Telstra, Jo Mercer, rebel, Old Man Pho, Bupa and Manchester Press.

Several stores have undergone refurbishments to enhance their experience including Hype DC, Camper, Marimekko, Witchery and Swarovski. Sketchers have expanded their store footprint with a wider range of styles, and M.J. Bale has relocated within the centre, along with womenswear brands Blue Illusion, Veronika Maine, and Zadig & Voltaire.

Emporium Melbourne also eagerly anticipates the arrival of the following future additions; iconic New Zealand brand Rodd & Gunn, minimalistic homewares, and apparel label Hommy Hommy, ON Running heralding from the Swiss Alps opening their first Australian store, ‘secret recipe soup’ restaurant 1919 Lanzhou Beef Noodle, Australia denim and apparel brand on it’s come back Ksubi and cult-like Danish contemporary ready-to-wear fashion brand Ganni.

Additionally, future relocations include Anna Thomas, AJE, COACH, Glue Store, and Lululemon. And Sushi Jiro will introduce an authentic sushi train to the Level 3 Café Court, enhancing the dining experience for customers.

In the past six months, Emporium Melbourne has welcomed several new retailers

Owner Vicinity Centres also announced its quarterly update for the three months ended 31 March 2024.

CEO and Managing Director, Peter Huddle said, “Continuing the momentum of execution delivered in 1H FY24, we are pleased to report another quarter of robust operating metrics and demonstrated further execution of our investment strategy.

“Our operating metrics remain strong and continue to be underpinned by retailer demand for physical stores, particularly in our premium centres, and strong retail sales growth since the end of the pandemic,” he said.

Commenting on Vicinity’s development pipeline, Huddle adds: “In March, we assumed full control of Chatswood Chase and in mid-March, we commenced the $620 million major retail redevelopment. While GLA will remain broadly unchanged, we are elevating the tenant mix significantly.

Chatswood Chase exterior

“The redeveloped asset will house the largest Luxury retail precinct in New South Wales outside of the Sydney CBD. The development now has approximately 70% of income secured, and with the current level of retailer demand, we are optimistic that the centre will be 100% pre-leased by Christmas 2024.

“Also during the period, we were pleased to have settled on the divestment of Kurralta Central, Dianella Plaza and Roxburgh Village at a premium to their June 2023 book values. Together with our strong balance sheet, the asset sales we have executed since May 2023 enable our long-term investment strategy, where we are upweighting our portfolio to premium retail assets, such as Chatswood Chase.

“Premium retail assets including Chadstone, Outlet centres, CBDs, and the future redeveloped Chatswood Chase offer superior long-term growth potential and enhanced value accretion opportunities.”