The suburbs in Sydney are the next destination for international retail brands, with Sweden’s H&M, Japan’s Uniqlo, Spain’s Zara and the US Gap labels all moving into the newly redeveloped Macquarie Centre in North Ryde.
Once the AUD440 million refurbishment of the mall is completed, it will be home to the most large-format international high street fashion brands of any Australian shopping centre. A fifth brand, possibly Forever 21, is said to be announced in the coming weeks.
Redevelopment of suburban and city malls has put Australia on the map for the overseas retailers, which have been hankering to move in, but have had no attractive sites to lease to make the appropriate "big" entrance. Now they have large flagship sites that allow them a grand opening.
(Source: The Sydney Morning Herald Online )