Adelaide courting big UK retail brands

AAP
November 16, 2012

ADELAIDE is trying to lure key British retailers to set up shop in the centre of the city, offering them the chance to “escape the gloom” of the UK economy.

South Australia’s agent-general in London is actively looking for retailers from the UK and across Europe to open an outlet in Rundle Mall, as part of its $30 million upgrade.

Among the brands on the city’s wish-list are fashion favourites Reiss, Topshop and Marks & Spencer along with luxury labels such as Stella McCartney and Burberry.

Retail groups across Europe are also being targeted, including Longchamp from France, Salvatore Ferragamo and Prada from Italy and Alfredo Dominguez from Spain.

All have either opened branches in Australia already but not in South Australia, have indicated an intention to open in Australia or are opening branches in Hong Kong, Singapore and China so are internationally active in the region.

Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood said work upgrading Rundle Mall would start in 2013 and aimed to transform the area into an international-standard retail precinct.

“The redevelopment will physically transform the precinct and it is also important that we ensure the retail mix is in line with any world-class shopping destination,” he said.

SA’s deputy agent-general in London Matt Johnson said the state’s relative economic stability made it a wise choice for businesses looking to escape the gloom of the British retail sector.

“We hope that by getting unique foreign retailers on board, Rundle Mall and the City of Adelaide will truly be put on the map as a shopping destination of choice for both tourists and locals,” he said.