Trade Secret returns to Gold Coast roots
May 14, 2014
More than two decades after Australia’s first Trade Secret store launched on the Gold Coast, the big brand retail store has returned to its original stomping ground, officially opening the doors of a third Gold Coast outlet at Helensvale on Thursday, 15 May.
Trade Secret General Manager of Stores and Operations Matthew Mackenzie said the company had come a long way since initially opening its doors at Southport in 1992, having since expanded to include more than 30 stores, as well as Trade Secret’s newly launched online store and sister brand Home Secret.
“It’s been a busy journey for Trade Secret over the years and we’re really excited to be strengthening our presence in the Gold Coast community with the launch of the Helensvale store,” Mr Mackenzie said.
“We could never have predicted the Trade Secret brand would have become so popular and well-known nationally, so to be opening another store back where we started is a really special milestone.”
“Our two existing stores on the Gold Coast have had a very loyal customer base over the years and our success in this market has really been testament to their support. We have customers that visit us sometimes as often as every few days!”
Mr Mackenzie said the strong demand for a new Trade Secret store in recent years from residents in Helensvale and surrounds had not been surprising, considering the Gold Coast is one of the company’s strongest regional trading markets.
“Gold Coast locals have embraced Trade Secret’s ‘treasure hunt’ style shopping experience from day one, so we have always had an overwhelming level of support at a local level,” Mr Mackenzie said.
“Helensvale in particular has a substantial local population, and the new store opening at Homeworld Helensvale will mean locals won’t have to drive as far to reach their nearest outlet.”
“It will also generate approximately 30 new jobs which is great news for the local economy and takes our total employment figures on the Gold Coast to over 150.”
Mr Mackenzie said the Helensvale store would differ slightly from other stores, with goods laid out according to size to provide an easier shopping experience.
“This will be the first Queensland store to be merchandised in this way, although we have rolled out this same prototype in Victoria with significant success.”
“The store layout is really the only major change to the standard model so customers will still find the broad assortment of big brand clothing, footwear, lingerie, homewares, health and beauty items and accessories at Helensvale that they’ve come to expect from Trade Secret stores.”
Homeworld Helensvale Asset Manager Linda Durant said she was thrilled to welcome such a high profile brand to the complex.
“We’re delighted to add Trade Secret to the Centre’s impressive line-up of national retailers. Trade Secret’s reputation as Australia’s leading off-price fashion and homewares retailer marries well with Homeworld’s position as the largest showroom retail shopping Centre on the Gold Coast.”
Trade Secret Helensvale will officially open its doors at Shop 11 Homeworld Helensvale, 502 Hope Island Rd, Helensvale at 9am on Thursday, 15 May, with face painting and other family activities offered on the day. To find out more about Trade Secret or shop online, visit www.tradesecret.com.au.
Fast facts
• Trade Secret employs more than 1,000 staff across Australia
• With the addition of the new Helensvale outlet, Trade Secret’s Gold Coast stores will employ 150 staff members
• The new Helensvale outlet will be the 33rd Trade Secret store
• The first Trade Secret store opened in Southport in 1992
• The Gazal Corporation (Trade Secret’s parent company) was established in 1958 by Sydney businessman Joe Gazal. It was originally a small shirt and pyjama manufacturing company and has grown to become a one of the largest publicly listed apparel companies in Australia
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Media contact: Maya Gurry — Fresh PR & Marketing
P: 0410 109 102
E: maya@freshprm.com.au
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