Westfield Knox: Myer to close at Knox Shopping Centre

A well-known chain is set to replace Myer at Knox, with the centre’s redevelopment to be accelerated.

Myer is closing at Westfield Knox.

After more than 40 years, the Myer store at Westfield Knox is closing.

Myer Holdings Limited announced on Wednesday it would be shutting its store at the centre, which opened in 1977.

“In making this decision today, we have taken into account our rising online sales, as well as the number of Myer stores that are in proximity to the Knox store including Eastland, Fountain Gate, Chadstone and Frankston,” Myer said in a statement.

The store is set to close in July.

Westfield Knox owner Scentre Group has revealed Woolworths is set to replace Myer, with plans for the supermarket to open on level one of the current Myer store.

It will be welcome news for shoppers who have long called for more supermarkets at the centre, which currently only has two Coles stores.

Scentre Group’s director of development Stewart White said: “We have been in discussions with Myer about their plans for Knox for some time and today’s announcement will enable us to accelerate our redevelopment plans for the centre, subject to the relevant approvals.

“We had anticipated commencing our redevelopment in September 2021 by introducing a new Woolworths supermarket onto level 1 of the current Myer store in late 2022.

“The new Woolworths will anchor a new fresh food market and a new food catering concept, also on level 1 of the centre.

“All required development approvals are in place.

“Further, today’s announcement will accelerate our future plans for Level 2 of the centre.

“We have a great track record in repurposing department stores and right sizing to deliver the best customer outcome.”

The closure of Myer Knox is another blow for the centre which has become rundown, with recent store closures including Harvey Norman and McDonald’s.

In 2019, Knox Leader reported photos of the centre’s Myer store showed how desperately it needed a spruce-up, with masking tape holding carpet together and carpet in a change room stained.

Myer chief executive John King said: “We will continue to make targeted improvements to our store network, while reducing space and improving the offer for our loyal customers.

Myer was among the first retailers to open at Knox Shopping Centre in 1977.

“Our vision remains for Myer to be a data and digital-led retailer supported by our store network, which continues to be an asset to our business.

“We thank our Knox team members for their significant contribution to Myer, and we look forward to continuing to serve our loyal customers either in nearby stores or online.”

Myer will support all impacted team members through a period of consultation and will look to redeploy as many team members as possible.

Shoppers expressed their disappointment at the news on Knox Leader’s Facebook page.

“Oh no. I’m surprised but not surprised. Compared with other Myer stores such as Ringwood and Doncaster who have had many store upgrades and refreshes over the years, Knox Myer has remained tired and run down for years. They were due to invest in an uplift to the store but never did,” Cathryn Johnson said.

“So very sad, but probably should’ve closed six years ago,” Kerrie Diegan said.

“This was the only place I shopped since it’s opening. I am one of very few people I know who love Myer Knox. Just like the loss of Caribbean Gardens I am very sad but knew this day would come.

“You can thank the owners of Westfield for ruining what was once a great shopping centre. Covid has nothing to do with it.”

Alison Barlow said it was very sad news.

“Myer is a Melbourne icon,” she said.

“What happened to our upgrade Westfield?”

Samantha Templeton said: “Wow another one going. This is sad for the workers and centre.”

Knox Leader previously reported the Myer store was set to be reduced to two levels, when the long awaited for revamp of Westfield Knox took place.

Leader revealed in December 2019 the revised revamp of the centre is set to include a fashion, fresh food and casual dining precinct, including an outdoor children’s play area surrounded by a cafe.