Zara schmara, there’s a new overseas mid-range retail giant coming to town. It was confirmed in late June that UK womenswear mecca Topshop would extend its reach to Australia with bricks and mortar stores and now it’s certain that Sydney will be the first city graced with its presence. The iconic Gowings building on the corner of George and Market Street will house Topshop, which is certainly a sartorial step-up from its previous tenant, Supre.
Australia’s demand for its own Topshop was obvious after a successful pop-up appearance in Incu Paddington since 2009. We are also Topshop’s third largest shipping destination for online shopping, so a physical presence is a logical step despite a decline in the local retail industry. Set to open its doors before Christmas, we predict a shopaholic showdown as the new kid on the block will be located just over 100 meters from Zara’s flagship Westfield outlet. This is only good news for us as consumers, this rivalry translating into a cage fight of competitive prices. Melbourne shouldn’t feel too ripped off however, as Topshop is set to open there as well though the time and place remains a mystery.
Via Fashionising
Words By Ingrid Kesa
