Source: Radio New Zealand
Noel Leeming Chief Executive Officer Jason Bell. Supplied/Noel Leeming
Noel Leeming believes Auckland’s CBD is coming to life again after a tough few years and it’s the right time to open a new branch.
The electronics company, which is owned by The Warehouse Group, moved out of Queen Street in 2021 because of pressure from the Covid pandemic and when its lease expired.
Iconic department store Smith and Caughey also closed last year after 145 years trading in Queen Street and Newmarket, citing of falling sales, disruption from roadworks and the construction of the city rail link, plummeting foot traffic and changing shopping habits.
Noel Leeming’s CEO Jason Bell said it was perhaps fortunate that Noel Leeming was not trading in the CBD over the past few years and the opening of its new interactive store on Queen Street later in September, is good timing.
“There’s been disruption from the city rail link but there’s also been massive investment in the future of the CBD. I’ve been down there a lot over the last few months and you can sense that it just feels different. There are more people around, there’s energy again. It just feels like the CBD is waking back up.”
Jason Bell said the expected opening of the city rail link, possibly at the same time as Noel Leeming’s new CBD branch, is another positive for the CBD.
He said the concept store is built around interaction and experience, with expert demonstrations, gaming events, product launches, and try-before-you-buy zones designed to turn a store visit into a destination experience.
“Think expert demos, gaming events, launches and immersive, hands-on experiences, this is a destination that truly earns its place in a vibrant CBD,” Bell says.
Apm (Auckland Property Management) is welcoming Noel Leeming’s decision.
“We see Noel Leeming’s commitment to Queen Street as a very positive signal for the wider CBD retail market. Major national brands investing back into the city centre helps strengthen confidence, increase foot traffic and contribute to the ongoing revitalisation of Queen Street,” said apm Commercial Senior Asset Manager Joseph Baranyai.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand