Australian retailer MJ Bale widens footprint across east coast

Upward momentum in the retail market is underpinning a tranche of new store openings across the east coast, according to CBRE.

CBRE's head of retail brokerage leasing Australia, Leif Olson, said improved consumer sentiment levels were underpinning the growth, with Australian brands seeking to expand their footprint in Sydney and Melbourne’s fashion hot spots.

High-end menswear label MJ Bale is the latest such Australian retailer, with a recently-opened flagship store in Sydney's Martin Place.

“MJ Bale’s new store opening highlights continued momentum in the retail market and the confidence this is providing Australian retailers to capitalise on the recent business upturn,” Olson said.

“Located in the heart of Sydney’s business district, Martin Place is fast becoming one of Australia’s premier fashion hubs, soon to be synonymous with names such as Rimowa, Kit & Ace and COS.”

Totaling 120 square metre, MJ Bale’s store at 14 Martin Place features a new fitout and design, while maintaining the heritage feel of the iconic sandstone building.

The latest MJ Bale store opening comes after the retailer recently expanded its footprint in Melbourne through CBRE, opening a 120 square metre outlet at 500 Collins Street.

Another store spanning 131 square metres at St Collins Lane is expected to open in 2016.

“Over the past 18 months, a flood of new entrants have secured a presence in the Melbourne CBD, which is evidence of its growing appeal at a local and international level,” said Melbourne CBRE leasing agent Zelman Ainsworth.

At St Collins Lane, MJ Bale will neighbour a number of international brands, including Coach, Tag, Furla, Sandro, Maje and Reiss.