Precinct Properties have announced the latest wave of retailers to open at Auckland’s Commercial Bay. Today’s announcement reveals flagship stores from Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, Scotch & Soda, R.M. Williams, Asics and Rip Curl and takes the leasing of Commercial Bay to 95%.
It bolsters an already impressive line-up of first-to-market international brands and established local labels set to launch into the local fashion scene next year when the transformative precinct opens its doors. This adds to their recent announcement on the dining and food precinct.
Precinct Properties CEO Scott Pritchard says “We’ve given a lot of thought to curating an outstanding retail offering in the heart of the city. Each retailer has been closely considered to ensure Commercial Bay provides the ultimate shopping experience for Aucklanders, visitors from around New Zealand and international guests to our city. Commercial Bay will be a welcoming place with something for everyone. I’m confident our retail mix, combined with a truly world-class food and beverage offering will be a great draw card”.
Iconic American clothing brands Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger will debut their first New Zealand standalone retail stores at Commercial Bay, with both premium brands set to offer an appealing combination of apparel, fragrances, accessories and homewares to consumers.
The mix will feature local and international retailers
Flagship is the theme for Commercial Bay’s latest retail line-up announcement, with Dutch fashion dynamo Scotch & Soda opening its first New Zealand standalone offering, alongside Australian leatherwear brand R.M. Williams, surf apparel standout Ripcurl, and sportswear powerhouse Asics all opening flagship stores.
Peter McWhirter, Scotch & Soda Director said, “Commercial Bay presents the perfect opportunity for us to open our first flagship store in New Zealand. Scotch & Soda stores all breathe the same spirit of creativity that we pour into our collections. We work with the history and architecture of the place we’re moving into – absorbing the rich heritage into each unique but recognisable store design – and we are very excited to be part of Auckland CBD’s new home of fashion.”
Commenting on the announcement, Leon Parkin, Rip Curl’s New Zealand Territory Manager said, “It makes absolute sense for us to bring Rip Curl to Commercial Bay – a destination which promises to offer shoppers an outstanding retail experience. We look forward to opening the doors of another great New Zealand flagship store, alongside the exceptional line-up of dynamic, global and local brands.”
Precinct Properties is positioning Commercial Bay as the leading premium destination in Auckland’s CBD
The compelling line-up announced today also includes Parisian-infused chic womenswear brand Kookai and another round of leading local fashion talent with the introduction of ethical designer twenty-seven names, outdoor retailer Icebreaker and Kiwi-favourite Storm.
Supplementing the new fashion names to feature at Commercial Bay, Whitcoulls bookstore will be opening, along with a handful of beauty and wellness brands; luxury nail salon Art of Nails, haircare store Shampoo and Things, men’s barber Gentry, skincare salon Skintopia and Lovely by Skin Institutewill open its fifth retail store in Commercial Bay – its first store in central Auckland, along with New Zealand natural wellness brand Harker Herbals.
“We’re thrilled with the fashion brands and retailers that will be part of the community at Commercial Bay and very soon Aucklanders will be able to enjoy a reinvigorated city centre shopping experience like no other,” says Pritchard.
Commenting on the announcement, Heart of the City Chief Executive Viv Beck said Auckland is a city in transformation and the opening of Commercial Bay early next year will be a huge milestone. “Commercial Bay will be a significant addition to the city centre retail landscape. The range of first to market brands, and unique restaurants and bars coming to Commercial Bay will build on the strong point of difference that the city centre shopping and dining experience offers,” she said.
The impressive lineup of retailers already announced include: Sandro & Maje, Kate Spade, Furla, Federation, Superette, Rodd & Gunn, Hershel Supply Co, 3 Wise Men, Barkers, Scarpa, Wittner Shoes and new footwear concept Solect. This is alongside H&M, which opened last year. Commercial Bay will showcase a strong cosmetic offering with Dior Perfumes and Beauty opening its first boutique in New Zealand, as well as L’Occitane, MECCA and hair specialists Loxy’s already confirmed.
Overall the transformative Commercial Bay development will feature a mix of more than 100 retailers from fashion, to food and beverage, to beauty and specialty retail. Commercial Bay retail will open in March 2020 with the commercial tower opening in April 2020.
