Chatswood Chase has reopened its Ground Floor and Level 2 following an 18-month, $625 million transformation, positioning the Sydney shopping centre as a premier lifestyle retail destination with over 60 brands including Australia’s first Armani Exchange location.

The centre welcomed customers back on October 23, 2025, with opening weekend foot traffic expected to exceed 500,000 visitors.

The staggered reopening follows the November 2024 relaunch of Lower Ground food and hospitality retailers, with Phase 3 anticipated for completion in April 2026.

Major anchors include Apple, David Jones, MECCA, Country Road, R.M. Williams, and Sephora.

The sophisticated mix features Australian designers Zimmermann and Rebecca Vallance alongside international labels Ralph Lauren, Coach, BOSS, and Armani Exchange, the Italian brand’s first Australian location.

“We’re thrilled to unveil the new David Jones Chatswood Chase store as part of this exciting next chapter for the centre,” said Bridget Veals, Executive General Manager of Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories at David Jones.

The store offers premium services including personal styling suites, beauty treatment rooms featuring Clé de Peau Beauté, La Prairie and Sisley, and The Apartment for exclusive trunk shows.

MECCA General Manager of Retail Sophie Wood added: “We’ve reimagined the MECCA experience to inspire, from an expanded Perfumeria and new luxury Skin Space, to the incredible brands, artistry and immersive experiences that MECCA is known for.”

Located in Australia’s most affluent retail catchment with average incomes 73% above the national average, Chatswood Chase serves a coveted consumer demographic.

The transformation reflects owner Vicinity Centres’ strategy to create premium retail destinations alongside its flagship assets Chadstone Shopping Centre and Queen Victoria Building.

“Vicinity’s investment in the reimagination of Chatswood Chase reflects our commitment to creating meaningful retail destinations,” said Peter Huddle, CEO & Managing Director of Vicinity Centres.

“Today’s reopening marks the beginning of Chatswood Chase’s new era, as it establishes itself as a retail destination that delivers a customer experience commensurate with the world’s best premium shopping destinations.”

Centre interiors by Hegi Design Studio draw inspiration from nearby Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, featuring collectible-grade craftsmanship and architectural innovation.

The “Welcome Home” launch campaign, photographed by local Georges Antoni, celebrates community connection and regional pride.

Opening weekend features a performance by musician Budjerah, complimentary matcha at Armani Exchange, floral bouquets at R.M. Williams, plus exclusive retailer offers and giveaways.

Limited-edition gifts designed by global creative Tina Bobbe will be available to first customers throughout the opening month, with new drops launching weekly.

From November, interactive beauty, fashion, and lifestyle workshops led by experts and creatives will provide ongoing engagement.

Level 1, anticipated for unveiling in early 2026, will feature prestigious LVMH brands and global fashion houses, establishing Chatswood Chase as Australia’s premier destination for luxury retail.

“Chatswood Chase represents a significant milestone in Vicinity Centres’ strategy to redefine retail as a destination for lifestyle, culture, and community,” said Amy Wotton, General Manager of Brand and Marketing at Vicinity Centres.

“The Welcome Home campaign captures the essence of this evolution, celebrating local pride while setting the stage for the future of premium retail on Sydney’s North Shore.”