David Jones to close part of Eastland store

ONE of Eastland’s biggest traders is downsizing, in another blow for high-end retailers at the Ringwood shopping centre.

Jessica Gomes and Jesinta Campbell opened the new DJs with chief executive Ian Moir in 2015. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

ONE of Eastland’s biggest traders is downsizing, in another blow for high-end retailers at the Ringwood shopping centre.

David Jones will close the top level of its Eastland store early next year, which faces the Town Square dining precinct.

It is expected the top level will be reconfigured by Eastland management to expand entertainment and dining in the square.

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The department store will continue to operate out of the ground level and won’t cut any staff or services.

The move comes less than three years after David Jones opened to much fanfare as part of Eastland’s $665 million redevelopment in late 2015.

A David Jones spokeswoman, who did not want to be named, confirmed it would be introducing its new format at Eastland next year to better optimise store space.

The spokeswoman said it would be similar to changes made to selected stores in Adelaide and Sydney.

She did not say if the decision was due to potential high rent or low sales.

The spokeswoman said David Jones was committed to remaining at Eastland and would continue to offer all its categories and existing brands across a smaller footprint.

David Jones will close the top level of its Eastland store, which has an entrance in the Ringwood Town Square.

David Jones’ downsizing continues a concerning period for retailers at the shopping centre.
As reported by Maroondah Leader in August, several boutique stores in Eastland’s level two centre corridor have closed this year, and empty spaces still remain.

The centre’s other major department store, Myer, also had an overhaul earlier this year, opening a children’s playground on level three in a bid to attract more customers.

Eastland general manager Greg Balmforth said the centre had been discussing the reformatting of David Jones for some time.

Mr Balmforth said the change would allow the centre to “redesign and enhance this highly desirable area within Eastland”.

“A range of possible uses for reclaimed space are being contemplated, particularly entertainment and lifestyle providers which would complement and invigorate the outstanding food and beverage offerings within Town Square,” he said.

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