Guess Chadstone and Melbourne Emporium stores shut down
A global fashion brand has shut its doors at two popular Melbourne shopping centres, with one retail expert saying fierce online competition and soaring rent prices could be to blame.
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Global fashion retailer Guess has shut its doors at two popular Melbourne shopping centres after several years of trading.
Guess, which began as a global jeans company in 1981 and specialises in women’s and men’s fashion including accessories, has shut its doors at Chadstone shopping centre and Emporium Melbourne on Lonsdale St.
An email sent on Tuesday to Guess members, seen by Leader, which confirmed the closure, states: “Guess at Emporium and Chadstone are now closed”.
“To bring you the best possible shopping experience, we’re making some changes at our stores,” the email states.
Stores at other shopping precincts including Crown, Highpoint and Fountain Gate were still open, the email states.
The email did not confirm the reason for the closure.
Monash University retail expert Professor Harmen Oppewal said retailers were under consistent pressure due to fierce online competition.
“Shoppers are becoming more savvy and are always on the hunt for a bargain, so they will check online prices and compare them to what’s in store,” Prof Oppewal said.
He said rising rents at shopping centres could also be to blame.
“Expensive rent does play a part and puts retailers under pressure, but people won’t stop going to the shops because they still love the experience of seeing and trying things,” he said.
A Chadstone shopping centre spokeswoman said there was no-one “available to comment” on the store’s closure.
Guess Australia has been contacted for comment.
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