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April, 2021 In a Queenstown CBD increasingly riddled with empty premises, thatwont be a problem when the redeveloped OConnells building opens next year. In a major coup, landlord Skyline Enterprises has leased two retail floors to one tenant. That is global travel retailer DFS Group, whichll roll out a new concept store displaying a wide range of leading New Zealand and international brands across fashion, beauty, watches, wines and the like. The Resort Galleria will be part of the groups long-established chain, T Galleria by DFS. They represent a stable of 200 to 300 brands, I believe, Skyline chief executive Geoff McDonald says. Whilst they might pick a Gucci or a Prada for central Rome or London or whatever, theyll be able to put a mix of different brands here that work for Queenstown. Its going to be pitched at both the domestic, local market, for those better-end brands, and international travellers. After the redevelopment jobs finished this September or October, McDonald expects the store to open June/July next year at the same time as a basement food hall leased to eight to nine operators. He says theyve been talking to DFS Group for well over a year. The uncertainty around Covid-19 has meant conversations have been pretty protracted, and weve literally only just signed an agreement. That same uncertainty had stopped other retailers from committing in the interim. DFS will take out not only 1800 square metres over two floors connected by an escalator, but also some of the top-floor office space. McDonald believes the mega-store, which he guesses will employ 40 to 50 people, will enhance Queenstowns CBD and continue to differentiate it from the more local retail in Franktons shopping centres. [DFS Group] just saw the potential in Queenstown, and difficult as it is now, they know its going to come back, and its going to be a fantastic site for them. DFS group chairman and chief executive Benjamin Vuchot says: We are very excited to introduce, for the first time in Queenstown, a carefully- curated selection of the best luxury retail and finest local products, further enhancing the reputation and appeal of this beautiful resort among discerning global travellers. Source: Otago Daily Times
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