It has finally been confirmed.
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The Mercury can reveal long-term rumours that department store giant H&M is coming to Green Hills are correct, with the international fashion company set to land at Stockland on May 17.
Construction has started on the two-storey, 2,300 square metre store – roughly the same size as Charlestown – which will include fashion for women, men and youths as well as a home section.
Recruiting has also begun for the 40-odd positions available, about three quarters of which will be made up of new staff.
H&M is one of the largest fashion brands in the world. There are now 4,500 stores across 69 countries.
The company has grown rapidly since launching in Australia in April 2014, with Green Hills set to be the 29th H&M in the country.
“We see Green Hills as a very popular mall and I think H&M belongs there,” H&M country manager Hans Andersson said. “We’re quite convinced it will be successful.”
And if the interest in the Charlestown store when it opened back in July 2016 is anything to go by, Mr Andersson is right.
Teen brothers Jarod and Lachlan Oldfield arrived at Charlestown Square in near-zero temperatures at 3.15am on the open day to secure the first spot in the lineup. They were among a crowd of about 800 shoppers who gathered for the opening of what was the first regional H&M outlet in Australia.
“Now we have more stores we’re not expecting the same as 3,000 people when Melbourne opened,” Mr Andersson said.
“But it will be well worth coming for the opening. All departments will have attractive opening offers.
“It’s very exciting, we’ve had this in the back of our minds for a couple of years now.”
Stockland group executive and CEO commercial property John Schroder said the company was proud to bring H&M to the new Stockland Green Hills, delivering on-trend and affordable fashion to the Maitland region.
“With so many new brands and retailers, Stockland Green Hills will soon be transformed into a lifestyle and fashion mecca, that is on par with any leading metro-city shopping centre in the country.”