Melbourne’s position as the fashion and retail capital of Australia was reinforced today as Woolworths Holdings Limited (WHL) officially opened its new Australasian head office in Burnley, securing 1,500 jobs for Victoria.
The purpose-built corporate campus houses the headquarters of iconic retailers David Jones and Country Road Group – including Country Road, Mimco, Trenery, Witchery and Politix – in a new world-class retail centre.
The Andrews Labor Government worked closely with WHL to secure the investment, which has brought 820 jobs to Melbourne and ensured a further 680 jobs remain here.
The site consists of two connected buildings with a combined floor space of 16,000 square metres and showcases the best of Australian design, with locally designed and manufactured fittings and furniture.
Victoria’s retail sector plays a crucial role in the economy, employing around 340,000 people. Victorian retail trade grew by 4.5 per cent in 2017, faster than any other state, with turnover reaching $81.88 billion and accounting for a quarter of national retail turnover.
The Labor Government is delivering for Victorians by attracting investment, driving job creation in the retail sector and attracting major global retailers to Melbourne including Decathlon, Costco, H&M, Uniqlo, Muji and Williams Sonoma.
As noted by Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis
"There’s no store like David Jones and there’s no place like Melbourne for fashion, retail and fine food."
"I congratulate WHL on the opening of this fantastic new facility, which I am sure will be a great home for their businesses, as well as being a great win for Melbourne’s booming retail and fashion sectors."
As noted by Member for Richmond Richard Wynne
"David Jones and Country Road are internationally recognised brands and we’re delighted to have them creating local jobs and calling Richmond home."
"Richmond is a vibrant business community for both large and small organisations and this move is further proof of that."
As noted by Woolworths Holdings Limited Group Chief Executive Officer Ian Moir
"We’re proud to be opening this purpose-built facility in the heart of Melbourne’s fashion and retail industry, and to be welcoming our David Jones and Country Road Group head office teams to their new home."
"We thank the Victorian Government for its support and look forward to further building our ties with the Victorian community."
