First Retail managing director Chris Wilkinson said the building was an “exceptional” site in Wellington.
“It’s always been recognised as one of the top retailing sites in New Zealand.”
Splitting the building up into multiple shops would create a “real exciting retail environment” for Wellington’s central city.
“This is about curating the complimentary-type businesses that people will be drawn to.
“Calvin Klein was in the previous David Jones store and they will have used that experience to guide their decisions on whether they were going to open ... they come with confidence,” he said.
“That in itself will be good because other businesses will be drawn in as well, other businesses will want to be alongside them.”
Wilkinson said other international brands had also been “scoping out” retail space in Wellington and getting a feel for the area.
JLL sales and leasing director Jim Wana earlier said there was hardly any demand from tenants of a similar scale to David Jones to lease the site.
Wana said it was likely several tenants would end up in the building, with the ground floor alone being able to house up to seven, “which effectively means potentially seven new retailers, so that gives you seven different reasons to come to the CBD.”
Wellington Chamber of Commerce chief executive Simon Arcus said he was aware a mixture of smaller retailers and office space might be an option for the iconic building.
“A number of options have come up. Obviously, we’re hoping to have a really good and high-end retail presence, as has been there for a long time. So, the idea that we might get some good stores in there is most welcome.”
