Amid unprecedented demand for retail space in Christchurch’s Cashel Mall, international sportswear retailer Nike is opening a flagship store in the heart of the CBD retail precinct.

Nike is taking a 350sq m shop in the new retail and hospitality building being developed by Richard Peebles next to Westpac at 93 Cashel Street.

Nick Doig, Director of Retail at Colliers Christchurch, negotiated the lease and says competition is hot for space fronting onto Cashel Mall.

“Nike’s announcement is more great news for the retail precinct. We’ve had a huge increase in demand, especially since the opening of the trans-Tasman border. I’ve been showing a lot of Australian-based retailers through the CBD who are assessing their options. Many of them are international brands that would be new to Christchurch,” Doig says.

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“There are no vacancies fronting onto Cashel Mall and any space that does become available is keenly sought.

“The CBD is really coming into its own. People are enjoying all that our new shopping experience offers, and tenants are encouraged by how popular inner-city living has become in Christchurch.

“More and more we’re seeing that retailers are prepared to wait for the right site to become available in the CBD retail precinct rather than opening in Westfield by default. It’s great to see retailers embracing the point of difference that the inner city has to offer its customers.”

The new store will be Nike’s first new RISE format in Christchurch and in New Zealand.

Retail Prodigy Group, which holds the master retail franchise for Nike stores across Australia and New Zealand, says the Nike RISE concept is designed to be ‘Your Home of Sport’ and is based on the latest international designed Nike stores.

Distinct zoning within the store will guide the consumer through the retail experience, with storytelling and pause moments that encourage them to stay for a visit and explore everything Nike has to offer, Retail Prodigy Group says.

The new Nike store will have men’s and women’s products in both footwear and apparel across various categories, including running, training, sportswear, and the Jordan brand.

“We are very excited to bring the latest Nike RISE store format to Christchurch CBD, which is evolving to be a unique and exciting shopping and entertainment precinct and provides a great opportunity to bring inspiration and innovation to our Nike customers,” Group Marketing Manager Trevor Stitt says.

- Article supplied by Colliers