Karen Walker’s concept shopping destination The Department Store is closing after 10 years in Auckland’s North Shore suburb of Takapuna.
“We’ve had an amazing 10 years and we’ve loved being a part of the Takapuna community. It’s with great fondness that we say farewell and thank you for joining us on this journey,” said a post on their Instagram.
In a statement, Walker confirmed online shopping was one of the reasons for the closure.
“The Department Store was created as a destination concept store and the idea of a bricks and mortar store being a destination/concept store is no longer the relevant idea it was in 2009,” Walker said.
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When British retail giant Topshop arrived on New Zealand shore, The Department Store was its first home before Walker opened two stand-alone Topshop stores in Auckland and Wellington before going into receivership.
The Department Store will close on January 26, when its lease in the old Takapuna Post Office ends. The Department Store advises that all gift certificates must be redeemed by then.
Karen Walker is set to open two new stores this year, with details still to be announced. Stay tuned to The Last Fashion Bible keep up with the latest developments.