Dymocks will open a new flagship store at Regent Theatre in Rundle Mall
It’s been shuttered and empty for nearly 20 years, but a huge former cinema off Rundle Mall will finally reopen for a new tenant – and that means jobs.
City
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Dymocks will open a $1.5m flagship store in the historic Regent Theatre off Rundle Mall.
The book store will move into the former theatre – which closed in 2004 – on April 20 and will span across the entire first floor above the Regent Arcade.
Dymocks has been operating a pop-up store in the Myer Centre since closing its old store in April last year following the retirement of long-time franchisee Mandy Macky.
Dymocks managing director Mark Newman says it is the next chapter in Dymocks’ 30-year history in the mall.
“We made a commitment when our former franchisee Mandy Macky retired to maintain
Dymocks’ presence in the city and find a new home for a store that had served generations of book lovers,” Mr Newman says.
“As an iconic Australian brand with a rich history, we’re excited that an equally well-known and much-loved building will be home to our new South Australian flagship.”
Dymocks has maintained the intricate wall and ceiling arabesque decorations at the theatre, and restored 10 pieces of theatre furniture found in the basement, including tub chairs, a club lounge and sofa.
About 40 new jobs will be created and there are hopes the store will help revitalise Regent Arcade, which has been struggling with low foot traffic and rising store vacancies.
Rundle Mall program manager Nicky Smith says: “We … anticipate that this new store will attract book lovers of all ages into the precinct to shop in Rundle Mall.”
Dymocks will close its Myer Centre pop-up on Sunday ahead of its opening.
QBD Books opened its flagship store at the former Supre site last month.
The former Dymocks site in Rundle Mall will reopen as Rebel Sport on April 7.
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