Kookai is returning, after it closed its Canberra store several years ago. Photo: Canberra Centre.
It seems a Mecca megastore was only the beginning.
The Canberra Centre has announced three “iconic Australian fashion brands” will be joining its retail mix from spring this year as part of a new “Australian Designer Development” section.
These include Paris-founded women’s fashion label Kookai, which launched here in 1992, followed by designer dress brand Rebecca Vallance and Melbourne-founded fashion house Scanlan Theodore.
In a statement, the centre said each is “renowned for its contribution to Australian fashion”, and the new stores will showcase the “best of the country’s design talent”.
It’s not all.
Last month, the rumour mill started grinding after it was learned Zara was leaving level one after 12 years, along with Polo Ralph Lauren next door.
However, centre management quickly responded with news that the hair and beauty brand Mecca would close its existing presence in the centre and open a brand-new “flagship concept store” in the 1500 sqm space left by Zara.
When it opens later this year, it will be among the biggest Mecca stores in the country.
Mecca is opening a new “flagship store” in the Canberra Centre this year. Photo: Canberra Centre.
A Chanel fragrance and beauty store is also coming, and the Aje pop-up is relocating to level one. Among other Australian brands, Style Runner opened in November 2024, and sportswear brand LSKD will open on 22 March.
More stores in the new Australian Designer Development will be revealed in the “coming months”.
The Canberra Business Chamber has previously told Region retail spending remains “flat to declining” across Australia as more customers migrate online in search of sharper prices.
“We’re definitely seeing a trend towards consolidation across the retail sector, with customers clearly prepared either to shop online or to travel a little bit further, and that may well play out in terms of more closures over time,” CEO Greg Harford said late last month.
But he remained confident “there’s still good interest in the market”.
Canberra Centre general manager Gary Stewart is certainly upbeat about the new stores’ prospects.
“The addition of Kookai, Rebecca Vallance and Scanlan Theodore reflects the growing confidence in Canberra’s retail industry,” he said.
“We are committed to creating a unique retail experience and continuing to support the local community by bringing leading brands to the heart of the capital.”
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