COM: Harbourtown Stage 3 Expansion

[JamesXander]

I've heard another rumour that Woolworths new business enterprise, the Tool Box (?), their answer to Bunnings, will take over from Woolworths within the next 12 months?

[Prince George]

I've heard another rumour that Woolworths new business enterprise, the Tool Box (?), their answer to Bunnings, will take over from Woolworths within the next 12 months?

This is probably the joint venture between Woolworths and the American hardware mega-chain Lowe's. The partnership announced a takeover bid for the hardware suppliers Danks who operate (I believe) Home Hardware and Thrifty Link; the ACCC OK'd the takeover last month. Let us welcome our new big-box overlords!

[Queen Anne]

Let us welcome our new big-box overlords!

Lol, not me! Living in America has had a life changing impact on me - it truly hurts my soul to see whole landscapes here devoted to these chains. So, I am never entering a big box store again, as long as I live. If I die for want of a cheap outdoor setting, or a flatpack wardrobe, or toilet paper by the ton, so be it.

[Ben]

Woolworths is not moving. This store is actually quite profitable. Woolworths would rather keep this site at a loss then let a competitor take it over, but that simply is not the case.

[fabricator]

Yeah sounds typical, Ingle Farm shopping centre is a good example of this sort of thing. Tiny mall but has two Coles supermarkets, one is an ex Bilo.

Queen Anne I couldn't agree more. I hate massive stores, you have to walk miles to find what you want, but there doesn't seem to be any more stuff than a normal sized shop. Its a monument to too much money and profit.

[metro]

Tiny mall but has two Coles supermarkets, one is an ex Bilo.

sounds like Northpark and Sefton Park with its 2 woolworths supermarkets, one on each side of main north road.

[JamesXander]

Just an inside update on this centre.

HarbourTown is having lots of issues. Almost the entire Southern end (stage 2) is coming up for re-leasing this year. And sales at HarbourTown have been sliding for years. So many shops may close. Indeed apparently alot of the shops are going to put money together and get stuck into the centre management about the way the centre is run (through a lawyer).


For mine they need to do three things.

1. Close one of the entrances near the northern, newer end. To make the centre a two entrance centre again.
2. Make sure that all the shops are cheaper then their generic counterparts in the suburbs
3. Pray to god Woolworths does close down, and that a cheaper supermarket opens



Its also interesting to note that Melbournes HarbourTown is also struggling, after the 'Wheelchair' malfunctions. Apparently our Victorians Harbourtownites are also on huge rents aswell, with very little foot traffic (they are up against the well established DFO's over there) because of the loss of the wheel chair drawcard.

[crawf]

Harbourtown were planning on opening a complex here in Darwin but the GFC ended that.

Harbourtown is rubbish, wish DFO would open up in Adelaide.

[pushbutton]

JamesXander, I'm curious as to why you think closing one of the entrances would improve Harbourtown?

[Xaragmata]

JamesXander, I'm curious as to why you think closing one of the entrances would improve Harbourtown?

I would prefer an additional entrance, by opening the existing admin entrance to the public - the more time people spend walking past blank external walls, the less time they spend looking at shops & perhaps buying things.

[skyliner]

Harbourtown were planning on opening a complex here in Darwin but the GFC ended that.

Harbourtown is rubbish, wish DFO would open up in Adelaide.

DFO would be would be a good addition to Harbourtown - the only trouble being the ensuing price wars and who would be left standing.

SA - STATE ON THE MOVE

[The Scooter Guy]

What about Designer Direct? It only lasted a few months ago and then, like Xaragma said, it's being taken over by an interstate firm.

[Straze]

I am glad to see Designer Direct closing down forever, i have browsed there and found it not that cheap at all, it was a store of gimmicks. Anyway if DFO did come to Adelaide where do you think it should be.

[Nathan]

I am glad to see Designer Direct closing down forever, i have browsed there and found it not that cheap at all, it was a store of gimmicks. Anyway if DFO did come to Adelaide where do you think it should be.

I'm glad too. It excruciating seeing how long they drag out this ridiculous closing down sale. I refuse to shop at any store that advertises like that as a matter of principle.

[The Scooter Guy]

DFO would be would be a good addition to Harbourtown - the only trouble being the ensuing price wars and who would be left standing.

What does DFO stand for?