Australia’s retail space is set to see more competition as prominent U.K. brand Debenhams makes its entry.

The British brand will join Australia's retail segment by 2016. The entry is being facilitated by a franchise arrangement with clothing and home-wares retailer Pepkor, which owns the retail chain Harris Scarfe. The Australian debut of Debenham’s will also mark its first foray into the Southern Hemisphere, and is expected to put pressure on Australian high-end retail chains Myers and David Jones.

Debenhams holds a strong position in the U.K.'s retail space with its three business verticals — womenswear, menswear and childrenswear. The brand has a substantial share in the premium wellbeing and magnificence segments. Currently, Debenhams runs 240 stores across 27 nations, reports International Supermarket News.

In Australia, Debenhams' premium "Architects at Debenhams" range will be available for both wholesale and retail at Harris Scarfe stores. A dedicated Debenhams e-business site will also be launched and more standalone stores are being planned.

Jason Murray, chief of Pepkor for South East Asia, said the tie-up is more than introducing another brand. He said Australia will “renew and develop” with Harris Scarfe's new plans.

Similar views were echoed by Harris Scarfe’s CEO Graham Deane, who said it would supplement the Australian brand’s general development technique.

"For our faithful clients, the organisation conveys access to an energising scope of sound, worldwide retail establishment brands. For our group, the chance to be a piece of a standout amongst the most energising retail establishment stories in the locale, and our supply and property accomplices will welcome the expansion of such a plainly separated and elite range that will make us a much more grounded destination for all darlings of shopping,” Deane said.

The entry of Debenhams coincides with speculation that its U.K. rival Marks and Spencer is also eyeing to set up a chain of stores in Australia as part of its worldwide extension. A report by Deloitte in January 2015 had raised the prospect of M&S entering Australia.

Benoy projects

Meanwhile, global architecture and design studio Benoy has announced some of its live projects in Australia.

Working with Australian developer Federation Centres, the practice has been hired by two regional retail centres in Western Australia for significant redevelopment and expansion, reported Azo Build.

“Entering Australia is a milestone for Benoy and we are incredibly excited to now confirm the details of our first projects in the country. These appointments with Federation Centres reflect Benoy's reputation in the international retail sector and what we, as a design firm, can bring to the Australian market,” said Tom Cartledge, Global Commercial Director at Benoy.

For feedback/comments, contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au or let us know what you think below.

RELATED STORIES