H&M to open in Wellington, New Zealand

Wellington’s fashion scene continues to grow as H&M (Hennes & Mauritz) opens in Queensgate Shopping Centre, Lower Hutt, later this year.

The fashion retailer made waves in 2016 when it opened its first store in Sylvia Park shopping centre, drawing in crowds from all over Auckland.

Now Wellington is getting a slice of the Swedish retailer with plans for the store to open late this year, with more information to be realised closer to the yet-to-be-confirmed opening date.

Queensgate Shopping Centre was closed late 2016 after the Kaikoura-centred earthquake damaged the building’s infrastructure.

The centre re-opened early April of this year after parts of the complex were redesigned with shock absorbent technology.

At the time Diversified NZ Property Trust acquired the shopping centre late November of 2015, the centre was the largest enclosed shopping area in the lower North Island. It is managed by Stride.

Stride’s general manager shopping centres, Roy Stansfield, says this announcement marks an important milestone in a large project, which has been a long time in the works.

“We’re incredibly excited that a world-renowned brand like H&M has chosen Queensgate as the location for its first Wellington store. It’s testament to the standard of the centre and the opportunities in the region as a whole.

“Customers and retailers alike have been curious about the works going on in the centre as we prepare for H&M’s opening, so we’re very happy to be able to finally confirm who this new tenant is,” he said.

Leading up to the store’s launch, Stansfield says Stride will continue to share information through the company’s website, Facebook page and within Queensgate.

“We’re very much looking forward to seeing the new store take shape.”