Wollongong welcomes opening of new H M store

Wollongong welcomes opening of new H&M storeWollongong welcomed the opening of the world’s second largest retailer H&M on 1 August 2016. The Swedish fashion retailer first arrived in Australia two years ago, with the opening of its inaugural store in Melbourne. Since then it has expanded to 10 stores nationwide.Wollongong Central’s regional general manager Antony Keenan said the new H&M store would bolster the centre’s position as the Illawarra’s leading shopping destination.”H&M’s entry into Wollongong Central is another vote of confidence in the long-term outlook for the centre and surrounding Wollongong CBD,” Mr Keenan said.GPT invested over $200 million upgrading Wollongong Central, while $20 million was spent by Wollongong City Council upgrading the Mall.H&M Australia’s arrival in Wollongong comes as David Jones identified Wollongong as an important location due to the significant redevelopment, expansion of the university and growth in population in the region. David Jones has announced an upgrade to its Wollongong store as part of a roll out of the group’s new concept stores. David Jones is to take over the Myer lease increasing its footprint in the region, as Myer is closing down stores in Wollongong and Orange as part of its strategy to consolidate its store network.H&M’s new stores come as new research from Macquarie Wealth Management shows international brands are making an impact on the retail market across Australia taking a slice of department store spend.