Topshop and Topman opens first New Zealand flagship

Arcadia’s flagship brands Topshop and Topman has opened its first flagship in Auckland, New Zealand, after Top Retail, a company founded by fashion designer Karen Walker, menswear retailer Barkers, and a third, silent partner, secured the rights to own, develop and operate the brands in the country.

The 10,000 square foot, two-floor flagship on Queen Street, Auckland, opened last week to hundreds of anticipated shoppers, some of which had waited 12 hours to be the first inside the store that will be receiving 300 new styles per week.

Walker’s Auckland boutique department store, The Department Store, has been stocking Topshop and Topman items for the past five years, but this marks a major development in the expansion of the brand in the country, with reports suggesting that additional sites in Wellington and Christchurch are currently being considered.

Commenting on the opening, Barkers chief executive Jamie Whiting said: “We believe New Zealand’s fashion retail market is in very good health, and we see Topshop’s arrival on our shores as a big signal of confidence. Creating the best and most dynamic in-store retail experience is a goal for us with Topshop and Topman, and we’re excited about what we will create in New Zealand.”

Sir Philip Green, owner of Topshop and Topman parent company Arcadia, said of the opening last year: “This is certainly a very exciting step in the continued growth of Topshop and Topman as global, yet uniquely British, brands. I am confident that New Zealanders will enjoy the retail experience and fantastic product offer.”

Currently there are no other international retailers of Topshop's scale in New Zealand, with the country hoping that this successful opening will attract other international brands like Zara, H&M and Uniqlo.