Forest Hill Chase: Shopping centre’s Motto Fashions, Miniso variety store closes

Shoppers are lamenting the loss of two more stores at Forest Hill Shopping Centre.

Motto Fashions has closed at Forest Hill Chase.

More stores have closed at Forest Hill Chase, as shoppers continue to call for more variety at the ageing centre.

After 30 years, popular women’s fashion store Motto has shut at the Canterbury Rd mall, along with Japanese variety store Miniso.

It follows the recent closure of Rockmans and the Bank of Melbourne branch at the centre, which has also lost Big W and JeansWest over the years.

In a Facebook message to Forest Hill customers, the owners of Motto shared their decision to close the store.

“On July 31st our lease is coming to an end, and due to the unforeseen lockdown extension, we have decided not to re-open our Forest Hill doors,” they said.

“Covid has been very kind to our business. We have taken the bull by the horns and have discovered an incredible future for Motto. We are so excited we can barely sleep.

“We are committed to being exclusive, individual, and accessible – therefore it is our vision to spread Motto throughout Melbourne and have stores who sit at a geographical distance to one another are our first port of call.

“Your closest stores are The Pines and Knox – we hope you can come to visit. You’ll see your favourite staff working in these stores.

“For those who can’t travel, our online store is where we are seeing huge growth. We are proudly offering free shipping, free returns, a dedicated sales team who are available via email, live chat or phone.”

But in better news for shoppers, Forest Hill Chase management recently revealed leading optometry brand Oscar Wylee Eyewear, hearing clinic Audika Australia, and plant store J’Adore Botanique had opened at the centre.

Annecto, an aged care and disability support service, also has plans to open near the Best & Less entrance, and Frestina, a jewellery home living store also recently opened its doors.

When Leader put the call out asking shoppers what new retailers they’d like to see at Forest Hill, Big W was the number one suggestion.

Others called for Kmart, Myer, Witchery, Uniqlo, David Jones, T2 Tea, candle store Dusk, Dan Murphy’s, Nespresso and a quality book shop to move in, while many said no more $2 shops.