Malvern Central: David Jones closes food hall, expands homewares

An up-market food hall has closed for good at an inner east shopping centre, as readers call for other big names to arrive. This is what’s happening.

A replacement for David Jones’ food hall has been announced at Malvern Central shopping centre. Picture: Norm Oorloff

The anchor tenant of a boutique inner east shopping centre has scrapped its up-market food hall, with more homewares offerings to go in its place.

David Jones’ food store closed at Malvern Central Shopping Centre on May 27, after the retailer announced it would axe the concept in Victoria in March.

Two other food stores at the Capital Grand in South Yarra and Melbourne Central have also closed.

David Jones management blamed “a significant impact on CBD footfall throughout the Covid-19 pandemic” for its decision.

Despite the food hall’s closure, the department giant is staying put at Malvern Central, with owners AMP Capital confirming David Jones would fill the space with an expanded homewares department.

A David Jones spokeswoman said the space also had a “premimum pantry offering” and talks were underway to continue its cafe.

“We remain committed to our David Jones Malvern Central store and local customers, and are excited by this new phase and future plans for the store,” she said.

Malvern Central centre manager Mel Downes said the centre felt the move would be “well received by customers, many of whom enjoy entertaining friends and family at home.”

She said body and skincair retailer Allkinds had also recently opened its first Australian store at the centre.

Readers on Stonnington Leader’s Facebook page called for a mix of major chains and everyday services to improve the Wattletree Rd centre as it emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several readers called for Target to return to the centre after it closed back in 2012.

Kyle Minall wanted a Uniqlo store, while Erzsébet Smith called for a bookshop.

Meanwhile, Sue McMillan, Goldie Lowe and Jenny Maugueret felt a newsagency with Tattslotto services was missing.

Ms Downes said the centre remained focused on providing “a quality retail offer” to local shoppers.

“The centre appreciates the ongoing support of its customers and the community and is committed to providing a safe shopping environment that meets their needs,” she said.