David Jones withdraws from Caulfield trackside marquee
David Jones is cutting back at the Caulfield races, scaling down its sponsorship and switching focus from corporates to customers in a sign of changing times for retailers.
Confidential
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Retailer David Jones is scaling back its sponsorship at the Caulfield races, withdrawing as partner of the trackside Lounge marquee.
In a sign of the times, David Jones will still be part of the revamped Fashion Stable, but change focus from corporates to customers.
Fellow retail giant Myer also downsized at Flemington last year, scrapping its long-running marquee in the Birdcage in favour of a presence at The Park public area.
It remains the fashion partner of the Victoria Racing Club and the Melbourne Cup Carnival, and continues its naming rights of the Myer Fashions on the Field National Competition.
David Jones reported a 42 per cent slide in profits this month, while last week Myer had a small jump in profits of 2.2 per cent, the first increase in nine years.
The David Jones Fashion Stable will feature a roaming runway, pop up activations, the Chandon Bar & Lounge and a new element called the Inner Circle.
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For many years David Jones has hosted a big celebrity set in its Caulfield marquee, including ambassadors Jessica Gomes, Adam Goodes and previously Jesinta Franklin.
“The Caulfield Lounge has always been an MRC owned space, which in previous years has been partnered with our sponsors,” said Peta Webster, Chief Commercial Officer of the Melbourne Racing Club.
“Confirming that in 2019 it will have a new revamped look, with more info to come.
“We love working with David Jones to continue to innovate the trackside fashion experience for racegoers. The customer-centric focus they’re bringing to this year’s Stella Artois Caulfield Cup Carnival will revolutionise the way people experience, consume and enjoy fashion at the track.”