Ryan – Leading Japanese retailer creates 100 new jobs in Melbourne

· UNIQLO opens its second Melbourne store, creating 100 jobs
· Confirms Melbourne as the base to grow UNIQLO’s Australian operations
· Victorian Coalition Government building a better Victoria by
attracting businesses from around the globe

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan has welcomed the decision of Japanese clothing retailer UNIQLO to base its growing Australian operations in Melbourne as it opened a second store today.

The retail giant’s new store at Chadstone Shopping Centre was opened this morning, creating 100 jobs. This followed the opening of its first store in Melbourne’s CBD in April.

Mr Ryan said that UNIQLO’s selection of Melbourne for its Australian base was a vote of confidence in the city’s retail sector and in Melbourne as a corporate management location.

“Melbourne is leading the field in attracting companies from around the globe.
UNIQLO joins other major global brands taking advantage of the strong and prosperous environment for business we offer,” Mr Ryan said.

“UNIQLO joins companies such as Muji, Williams-Sonoma and H&M in investing in our state and creating jobs in Victoria, enhancing our international reputation as a major retail market.”

The UNIQLO CBD and Chadstone stores join 15 other markets with over 1,400 UNIQLO stores around the world. A third store is set to open in Sydney soon .

“Japan is Victoria’s third largest trading partner, and UNIQLO’s choice of Melbourne for its Australian base is a strong indicator of our excellent relationship with Japan,” Mr Ryan said.

“Demand for retail in Victoria is booming with annual turnover now at $66.5 billion and growing. Earlier this month, the Coalition Government helped to mark a $580 million expansion of Chadstone Shopping Centre that will create thousands of jobs.

“The Coalition Government will continue to help grow the retail industry through our international and business engagement programs. These programs have contributed to investment by international retailers such as UNIQLO, Muji, Zara, Topshop, Williams-Sonoma, Abercrombie & Fitch, and H&M as well as domestic re-investment by Coles, Woolworths, Bunnings and Cotton On.”