New Stores Strengthen Cluster Retailing

Monday, 3 October 2005

New Stores Strengthen Cluster Retailing Pull At Merivale Mall

Merivale Mall’s continuing to carve out its boutique retail niche and embrace the concept of cluster retailing with the opening of two new stores.

Duo, a men’s and women’s clothing and accessories store opened its doors at the weekend. While Total Tan, a sunless tanning clinic, is opening at the end of October.

Paula Campbell, Centre Manager at Merivale Mall, says both businesses cater to those wanting a high-end shopping experience and will fit in well with their neighbouring retailers.

“Duo’s sleek urban outfit will be right at home amongst other funky retailers including Detroit, Andrea Biani and Sunglass Hut,” says Paula Campbell.

Total Tan has the best sunless tanning booths on the worldwide market. Each has 27 non-moving spray nozzles, which allow for a much more even tan and without the customer having to stand nearly naked in front of a stranger (or worse still, someone they know).

Total Tan will be situated alongside beauty salon Fascino and opposite hairstylists Gavichis.

“This will create a great cluster of pampering businesses on the first floor, a space which has the quiet, private atmosphere required by these kinds of businesses.”

Cluster retailing, where shops with similar core businesses site themselves alongside one another, is a growing phenomenon.

“Cluster retailing works – it allows stores to capitalise on their combined customer pulling power while giving the customer the convenience of one-stop shopping.” says Paula Campbell.

“Having retailers with a similar focus also allows them to create a shopping atmosphere which is conducive to all of their businesses. For example, our beauty tenants on the first floor will find they will create a quiet, peaceful ambience – it wouldn’t work if we put a music store in the middle of them,” says Paula Campbell.

“We are really looking forward to seeing Duo and Total Tan open their doors. They are both high quality retailers which will strengthen Merivale Mall’s niche as the place to go for a high-end shopping experience,” concluded Paula Campbell.

ENDS

© Scoop Media