Debenhams not confirming first Australian store

Department store Debenhams is set to open its first store in Australia, according to local reports, however, the British chain has stated no official statement has been made on its Australian store plans.

The Australian Financial Review is reporting that the British retailer is set to open a 4,000 square metre store in the redeveloped St Collins Lane four-storey building in Melbourne, which is described as a "luxury fashion precinct,” with stores already including Coach, Sandro and Kooples.

However, the British department store chain isn’t making an official statement yet, instead placing focus back onto its franchise partnership with retail investment company Pepkor South East Asia Pty to enter the Australian market announced in October 2015.

That partnership announced last year would see Debenhams’ own brand womenswear, accessories and menswear products distributed and retailed within selected, Pepkor-owned, Harris Scarfe stores from October 2016.

Debenhams PR director, Christine Morgan stating: “We are continuing to activate this plan but have not yet announced any store sites.”

The Australian paper does states that the Debenhams deal hasn’t been finalised, however, it adds that the decade-long lease is part of the department stores plans to take on local rivals Myer and David Jones, as both have their flagship stores nearby on Bourke Street.

Image: courtesy of Debenhams - Oxford Street store