Update: Zara’s Melbourne opening date has been announced.
The mannequins have been set up, the store is completely stocked and soon there will be a herd of fashionistas camping outside Sydney’s Westfield mall.
That’s because Zara has finally opened its doors to the first flagship store in Australia. After months of anticipation and rumours, this three level store, spanning over 1400 square metres, is the latest gem in Australia’s retail industry.
This morning, Fashionising.com got something of a sneak peak. So what can Sydneysiders expect when the store opens its doors tomorrow?
Something for the entire family. This first Zara store for Australia stocks lines for women, men, and children, including a range of accessories. With an undefined age demographic, Zara aims to appeal to everyone from the age of one to 99.
As with all retail, location is everything and the location of the new Zara store was a top priority for the team behind the roll out. This is something that has worked in their favour as Zara doesn’t have to worry about competition. In the Australian market, one devoid of giants such as H&M and Uniqlo, Zara has its own niche. But the niche surely loves a good bargain. The average price tag in the store ranges from AU$59 to AU$119, which means shoppers will be able to pick up a pair of skinny jeans for $39, a fake fur jacket for $89 and a classic camel trench coat for $119 – all definitely a steal for the Australian market.
The autumn / winter 2011 range in-store runs on brightly coloured hues, with lashings of coral, hot pink, sheen blue and emerald green on the racks. Living up to Europe’s shoe trends, ankle booties in every material and colour can be found and there is also a return of Mary Jane’s, but obviously, with a Zara element attached to it.
The initial collection, seen in the Sydney store, is solely based on market research and the Southern Hemisphere climate. However, adhering to its both infamous and revered design policy, Zara will conduct daily sales analysis and make a new order twice per week. That production scenario will see Zara’s headquarters in Spain take roughly 48 hours to manufacture and ship the garments to the Sydney store. This swift production puts the majority of fast-fashion retailers to shame by delivering stylish and quality-focussed garments.
The brand is expecting a larger opening in Melbourne, with 1700 square metres to spare. The store will be located on Bourke Street and can anticipate a mid June launch.
Zara Sydney will open its doors to the public on Wednesday, 20 April from 9pm. You can see some pictures that I snapped on my camera phone of the new store below. We’ll update this article as official photos come to hand.
The opening autumn / winter display for Zara in Sydney
Scarf selection in Sydney’s Zara store
The promise of special edition Australian products from Zara
Ankle boot display in Zara, Sydney
Zara’s baby line makes its debut in Australia
Zara’s children’s line makes its debut in Australia
