Genesis Studio opens at Melbourne Emporium; Woolies to unveil Sydney FC; Goodman transforms old woolshed into Woolies and Dan Murphy's
The post Retail property news of the week appeared first on Inside Retail.
Premium Korean auto brand Genesis Studio has recently opened at Vicinity’s Melbourne Emporium, the first of its kind in the shopping centre.
The new flagship store showcases Genesis’ range of the brand’s luxury vehicles, a striking 18-metre floor-to-ceiling LED backdrop, dark wood panelling and burnished concrete interior finishes. The brand opened its first Australian test drive facility last year in Parramatta in Sydney’s western suburbs. Genesis is the high-end arm of Hyundai.
“The retail environment and consumer preferences are changing, but physical retail remains a key part of the mix for brands, both in the purchase funnel but also in showcasing and educating customers as part of a brand awareness piece,” said Vicinity Centres’ chief operating officer, Peter Huddle.
“And by strengthening our portfolio with strategic partnerships and pioneering brands, Vicinity Centres continue to deliver a truly unique and diverse retail experience.”
Earlier this year, AMP Capital announced the launch of its AutoMall concept with Eagles Automotive, which will open in December at Indooroopilly. Meanwhile, online retailer Carexpert opened a physical space at Westfield Warringah Shopping Centre in April.
An old vacant warehouse that was once a 1950s woolshed has been transformed into a modern retail centre, anchored by a Dan Murphy’s and Woolworths at Fisherman’s Bend in Victoria.
The 13,500-square-metre warehouse is located on the corner of Plummer and Graham Streets in Port Melbourne Industrial Estate and according to property developer Goodman, it is one of Australia’s “largest inner city urban renewal projects”.
“We are committed to breathing new life into the broader Fishermans Bend precinct and the delivery of new retail is a critical part of that ambition. This project provides important new amenity to the community and highlights the untapped potential of older warehouses in the precinct,” said Jason Little, general manager Australia at Goodman Group.
Woolworths has announced plans for a new online fulfilment centre in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, aiming to better serve the region spanning from Engadine to Kurnell – adding a further 15,000 potential customers to its home delivery and direct-to-boot pick up offers.
The 7,200sqm warehouse will be based in Caringbah and will support up to 400 full-time equivalent roles.
“We’re always looking to make it that little bit easier to shop for your everyday needs,” said Woolworths’ director of e-commerce Annette Karantoni.
“We’re seeing more and more of our customers turn to the ease and convenience of online grocery delivery in the Shire. To keep pace with customer expectations, [the new warehouse] will offer more delivery windows and an even more reliable service to our online shoppers.
“In a Woolworths first, the CFC will also offer dedicated pick up bays with a direct-to-boot service for customers who prefer to collect online orders themselves.”
Subject to planning approval, the site will begin construction in early 2022 for an operational launch late in the year.
The focus on delivering a better online experience comes after the supermarket saw e-commerce growth of 92 per cent between July and December of 2020, and online sales accounting for around eight per cent of the business’ sales.
The post Retail property news of the week appeared first on Inside Retail.
