NEW ZEALAND: The lower end of Auckland's main street is rapidly changing into a luxury apparel precinct following news at least five big name European labels are looking to set up shop in the area.
First cab off the rank is Italian fashion label Gucci which has selected the site to open its largest Australasian store on Wednesday (April 23). Its opening will be following by the resurrection of a 300sq metre Louis Vuitton boutique right next door.
According to a report on Fairfax Newspapers online website stuff.co.nz other big name brands believed to be keen to source space in the area include Chanel, Prada and Tiffany in the hope the area would mirror Sydney's Castlereagh Street or New York's Fifth Avenue.
However, the change may not happen overnight.
The report quoted Gucci Australia and New Zealand managing director Helen Koo stating the brand had looks for the right inner-city site for about three years.
"Finding the right location was extremely important and we were fortunate to secure a prime position on Queen Street. Auckland is a cosmopolitan city with a unique character and a lively energy. We believe lower Queen Street will develop into a luxury shopping precinct and destination."