Pink Zebra founder Sarah Paykel has been trading in Oxford Street, Paddington since 2006. Assia Benmedjdoub gets her viewpoint.
Where is the Pink Zebra flagship store located?
380 Oxford Street, Paddington, NSW.
How long has the store been operating there?
We opened there in February 2006, so we have been trading for four-and-a-half years now.
What are some of the major changes you’ve noticed since opening in Oxford Street?
There always seem to be retailers moving in and out, but at the same time there are many long-term retailers like Opus (gifts), Paddington Fresh (food), Robby Ingham and General Pants who are constant drawcards. Of course Westfield Bondi Junction was a new shopping development that had an impact on the strip, but that has been open since before Pink Zebra started in Paddington.
What is the benefit of having a store there?
Oxford Street is well known as a fashion destination so it has a wide catchment of visitors. Our customer base is a nice mix of locals from the eastern suburbs, from wider Sydney on the weekends and we see many tourists as well. I believe many hotel concierges point their overseas visitors to Oxford Street, if they are looking for a fashion shopping excursion. The weekend markets continue to be a drawcard to customers from all areas.
What are some of the challenges?
Parking has always been tight in Paddington, but if you look hard enough you will find a spot! We have many locals that come to Paddington by foot too, and buses bring those from further afield.
What are some of the fashion retailers located there?
Jigsaw, Diesel, Robby Ingham, Witchery, Incu, Fleur Wood, and of course William St is nearby which has a nice array of boutiques.
Is it a competitive area?
Paddington has a mix of national chains alongside independent boutiques, so there is a wide range for customers to choose from.
Where do you see the future growth prospects for Oxford St?
I think that strip shopping is always a nice alternative to a big shopping centre experience. We have lots of customers commenting how much easier it is to shop along the street than going to a busy shopping centre. The strip offers a unique ‘neighbourhood’ experience, rather than the more generic shopping centre offer, so that provides a reason for people to come to Oxford St. Being in a high socioeconomic area, I think there is enough demand to support both the strips and shopping centre.