PERTH: Australian department store David Jones has threatened to rethink its expansion into the Western Australian market, citing "draconian" planning restrictions and unfavourable trading regulations. It is understood the Sydney-headquartered company had planned to build a 12,000 to 14,000sqm site in Perth's northern suburbs over the next five years.
If launched, the store would be over double the size of existing David Jones sites in Karrinyup and Garden City.
However, CEO Mark McInnes said the State Government's reluctance to deregulate trading hours had forced the company to rethink its expansion into Western Australia. He said there was potential to double its presence in the market if existing legislation was reviewed.
David Jones apparel brands include Ginger & Smart, Willow, Alex Perry, Sass & Bide and Kirrily Johnston.