H&M and ZARA prepare to open their first New Zealand stores

26 September 2016
Big crowds expected as H&M and ZARA prepare to open their first New Zealand stores at Sylvia Park

Kiwi Property’s flagship shopping centre, Sylvia Park, is expecting record crowds over the next two weekends as thousands of Kiwis visit for the opening of the first H&M and ZARA stores in New Zealand.

Global fashion giant H&M will open their doors to the public on Saturday 1 October(10:00am), closely followed by ZARA on Thursday 6 October (9.30am).

Jonathan Douglas, Sylvia Park Centre Manager, said the Company predicted big crowds this Saturday and will be opening the doors of the centre at 7.00am to allow shoppers to prepare for the opening of H&M at 10.00am.

“We’re looking forward to a successful launch for both H&M and ZARA and have been working to ensure the opening days run smoothly for shoppers who are eager to visit,” said Mr Douglas.

The easiest way to get to Sylvia Park over the coming weeks will be via train, and Kiwi Property has been working closely with Auckland Transport to ensure increased capacity on trains servicing the centre. The Sylvia Park train station is located just metres from the centre, while buses also service the centre. Shoppers are encouraged to plan their public transport journey by visiting at.govt.nz, particularly over the two opening weekends.

Sylvia Park is also prepared for those who will arrive at the centre by car.

“We have recently introduced a new car park guidance system to help customers find available parking spaces,” said Mr Douglas.

“Digital signage at key intersections and at car park entrances will indicate available car parks, making it easier to find a car park. You can also look at availability of parking online atsylviapark.org. We are the first shopping centre in Auckland to install a system like this and we’re thrilled it’s ready for what’s set to be some of the busiest weekends of the year.”

Chris Gudgeon, Kiwi Property Chief Executive, said the H&M and Zara store openings at Sylvia Park marked an exciting time for retail in the New Zealand market.

“Our shoppers have been waiting patiently for these global brands to arrive and we’re excited they will be experienced first at Sylvia Park,” said Mr Gudgeon.

Kiwi Property’s top tips for visiting Sylvia Park over the next two weekends:

> Take Public Transport – Kiwi Property has been working closely with Auckland Transport to ensure that for the opening weekends (1 – 2 October and 8 – 9 October) additional trains will be running and that Sylvia Park will be well-serviced for buses. Visit at.govt.nz to plan your journey.

> Plan your parking and look for the lights - Sylvia Park has 4,000 available carparks positioned across 14 separate areas. In the covered areas, Sylvia Park’s new car park guidance system will have red/green light signals to clearly identify the available spots. Shoppers can also view availability online at sylviapark.org.

> Avoid delays with Kiwi Valet – Make parking really simple with Kiwi Valet. Located on the ground floor of the multi-story car park (car park 5), shoppers can drive in, drop off and shop! Have your car parked for you, it’s just $5 for the first two hours and then $1 per hour after. The easiest way to access car park 5 is via Carbine Road. Available from Tuesday 27th September, limited spaces available.

> Look out for helpful staff – For the H&M and ZARA opening weekends (1 – 2 Octoberand 8 – 9 October) Sylvia Park will have car park crews in place to help shoppers. Visitors should ask staff for directions or for advice when parking.

> Stay late with extended hours – Sylvia Park will be open until 7.00pm for the H&M launch on Saturday 1 October and 9.00pm for the launch of ZARA on Thursday 6 October

> Expect queues – With so many Kiwis excited to experience H&M and ZARA first, shoppers will no doubt be lining up to be the first through the doors when they open. Sylvia Park has been working closely with both retail partners to ensure the best possible experience for all visitors but shoppers should expect some delays.

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