Tauranga Crossing centre manager Andrew Wadsworth, marketing manager Jess Handley, and CEO Steve Lewis. Photo / George Novak
Tauranga Crossing centre manager Andrew Wadsworth, marketing manager Jess Handley, and CEO Steve Lewis. Photo / George Novak
Brand new stores and restaurants, including an 800-seat cinema, will officially open next month as part of the grand opening of stage two of the $150 million Tauranga Crossing development.
A total of 45 new retailers and 17 restaurants and eateries will open in stage two of the enclosed mall at Tauriko on April 4.
Joining global fashion retailer H&M will be Edge Clothing and footwear store Solect, which will both open their first New Zealand stores at the Tauranga shopping complex.
Lingerie store Bras N Things and fashion brand City Chic will also open its first stores in the area, as well as footwear brands Skechers and Maher Shoes, and beauty clinic Nude Skin and Laser Clinic.
A two-level dining area and entertainment precinct, featuring an 800-seat Event Cinema complex and Vmax screen with full recliner chairs and double day beds, will also open as part of stage two.
An artist's impression of the new fashion galleria. Photo / Supplied
Tauranga Crossing chief executive Steve Lewis said he was looking forward to welcoming Tauranga shoppers into stage two of the new mall for the first time.
"We've been working on stage two of the enclosed mall for some time now and we are delighted to announce the official opening date and welcome people into their new mall."
Centre manager Andrew Wadsworth said it was a testament to the region's growth to have an international retailer such as H&M open in the Bay of Plenty.
"We can't wait for them and all of our other retailers, eateries and entertainment to open to the public next month."
Edge Clothing marketing manager David Englert was excited to open the brand's first New Zealand store in Tauranga.
"New Zealand has been on our radar for some time now and we choose Tauranga as the location for our first store in the country because of the growth of the region."
Solect national retail manager Shae Borman said it was an easy decision to open the brand's first store in Tauranga.
"We were looking for a location in the Bay that had a mix of local and international brands, extended shopping hours, dining and entertainment - a place with the ability to grow as the population continues to boom," he said.
"Tauranga Crossing ticks all of those boxes, and as a local myself it's also very special to me that the first location for Solect in New Zealand is here."
Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stan Gregec said new brand names coming to Tauranga meant more choice and convenience for local shoppers.
"Tauranga Crossing has become a real destination shopping and entertainment experience, with so much on offer there now. A big step up from not that very long ago."
Priority One projects manager Annie Hill said H&M's recognition of the potential of Tauranga as a city put the city on the national map in terms of business opportunities.
"Our very strong population growth over the last five years, supported by unprecedented levels of job growth and business growth, has underpinned the expansion of the retail sector," she said.
"The attraction of an internationally recognised brand such as H&M is a real coup for the city."
Hill said investment decisions in the retail sector consider many factors, including future population growth over the next few decades, to determine the return on investment.
"The decision for H&M to open a store in Tauranga bodes very well for our future prospects," she said.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What: Official opening of stage 2. Live music and entertainment, giveaways and an official opening ceremony with Tauranga mayor Greg Brownless. Where: Tauranga Crossing When: April 4, 9am
Retailers opening on April 4 include:
* Bras N Things * Cotton On Kids * Cotton On * Cotton On Body * City Chic * Aim'n * Edge Clothing * North Beach * Logo express * Sunglass Style * Tauranga Crossing Dental * Hannahs * Maher Shoes * Solect * Shampoo 'n' Things * Skechers * Lily's Florist * Nude Skin and Laser Clinic * Life Pharmacy * Michael Hill * Just Jeans * Max Fashions * Typo * Vish Beauty * Merchant 1948 * Decjuba * Bendon * Pagani * Hartley * K&K Fashions * Mirrou * Merric * Stirling Sports * Jay Jays * Platypus * Pascoes * Lovisa * Specsavers * 2degrees * Vodafone * Spark * Phone Life * Barber Workshop * Rcade
