The new H&M store will be located in the GPT operated Wollongong Central and is set to become a major drawcard for the shopping centre.

Wollongong Central regional general manager Antony Keenan predicted the arrival of the world’s second largest retailer in Wollongong would bolster the centre’s position as the Illawarra’s leading shopping destination.

“H&M’s entry into Wollongong Central is another vote of confidence in the long-term outlook for the centre and surrounding Wollongong CBD,” Mr Keenan said . 

“Judging by the huge success H&M has had in Australia since the opening of its Melbourne flagship store in 2014, we expect H&M to be one of Wollongong Central’s major drawcards.”

News of the Wollongong store comes just weeks after David Jones announced it would move to the space being vacated by Myer in Wollongong Central. Myer has decided not to renew the lease at Wollongong as it moves to consolidate its store network. David Jones will open a world class concept store at the new location in 2017.

GPT expects to announce the entry of several other retailers into Wollongong Central in the coming weeks.

Wollongong retailer Barry Markwick, who has operated Total Expressions gift and card shop in the mall for the past 31 years welcomed the news about H&M and hoped it would bring more people back into the mall after a tough few months following the mall refurbishment and closure of David Jones northern Crown Street store.

“I am looking forward to H&M opening,” Mr Markwick said. 

“I think it will get the young people in and will offer a point of difference that Shellharbour, Warrawong and Figtree don’t have.”

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery, who wrote to H&M management directly two years ago to try to attract them to the region predicted H&M’s arrival in Wollongong would be an “entree” to a lot of other opportunities.

“I want Wollongong to be seen as the place where people go for that boutique experience and I think this will launch us further into that space,” Cr Bradbery said.

He said he believes H&M will be a good match for Wollongong as it fits with the city’s cosmopolitan feel.

“It brings an international flavour. I think Wollongong needs to position itself more for the market that is assembling around our CBD. Wollongong is now a very cosmopolitan city and it fits in with our ethos.”