Luxury Retail Rises in Chatswood Chase

PetitePaulina – The North Shore is stepping out of the shadow of Sydney’s CBD and into the luxury spotlight. Chatswood, just eight miles away, is transforming into a destination for high-end shopping. For years, residents had to travel into the city for premium retail. Now, global brands are coming to them. This change isn’t just about convenience it reflects shifting lifestyles. More affluent locals want luxury close to home, without sacrificing quality or experience. As a result, Chatswood has become the ideal location. The area combines wealth, accessibility, and a customer base that values both style and substance. Retailers see the opportunity and are responding fast. Therefore, the suburb is evolving from a commercial hub into a true luxury precinct. What once felt secondary now leads the way in defining suburban sophistication. And this is only the beginning.

Chatswood Chase’s Billion-Dollar Transformation

Chatswood Chase is getting more than a facelift it’s getting a complete rebrand. Vicinity Centres is investing $625 million AUD into a redevelopment that will reshape the shopping experience. The project will add over 904,000 square feet across five levels and welcome more than 60 new retailers by April 2026. This move isn’t just about adding stores it’s about building a luxury destination. Instead of following the CBD model, Chatswood Chase aims to offer prestige with added ease and accessibility. Vicinity is betting on local demand for world-class retail that doesn’t require a long commute. They’re creating an environment where premium products meet a premium experience. Carefully selected tenants, refined design, and a focus on lifestyle will elevate the center beyond its previous role. As shopping habits change, this redevelopment leads the way.

Affluent Demographics Are Fueling the Growth

The shift toward luxury retail in Chatswood makes perfect sense when you look at the demographics. The North Shore has close to one million residents, and their household incomes sit 73% above the national average. That’s not just affluence it’s buying power. Even more importantly, 42.4% of Chatswood residents reported Chinese ancestry in the latest census. Globally, Chinese consumers are known for their strong interest in luxury goods. Brands understand this and choose their store locations accordingly. Chatswood offers a rare combination: cultural alignment and spending capability. Moreover, the area is home to younger professionals and families who are globally connected and brand-conscious. These shoppers aren’t just browsing they’re ready to invest in quality. For luxury retailers, this creates an ideal market. Therefore, bringing high-end brands to Chatswood isn’t risky it’s strategic.

Luxury Titans Join the Chatswood Line-Up

Some of the world’s top fashion houses are joining the Chatswood Chase revival. Over 60 new retailers are on the way, including 12 from the LVMH portfolio. Expect names like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co., Sephora, Loewe, and Bulgari. That’s not all Gucci, Hermès, Saint Laurent, and Balenciaga are also coming. These brands don’t just open stores anywhere they choose markets with strong demand and the right clientele. Chatswood fits both. These aren’t just stores; they’re immersive experiences that reflect each brand’s identity. As a result, shoppers in the North Shore won’t need to go downtown for global luxury. It will live right here. This change positions Chatswood as a serious destination not just for locals, but for style-conscious visitors too.

David Jones Reinvents Its Experience in Style

David Jones is redefining what a department store can be starting in Chatswood. Their redesigned store at Chatswood Chase spans two levels and 161,500 square feet. But it’s more than size that matters. The store includes eight private beauty rooms and personal styling suites that offer tailored service. High-end beauty brands like La Prairie and Sisley now provide luxury treatments on-site. CEO Scott Fyfe said the North Shore is one of their strongest markets, and this store proves it. With 50 new fashion and beauty labels, David Jones is targeting a more premium, experience-driven audience. Bookings for personal services are already full weeks in advance. The store doesn’t just offer products it offers attention, comfort, and exclusivity. In short, it delivers the kind of retail experience that modern luxury shoppers expect.

Carla Zampatti’s New Vision Comes Home

Carla Zampatti’s return to Chatswood Chase is both emotional and strategic. The brand opened one of its earliest mall stores here in the 1980s. Now, decades later, it launches a bold new store concept in the same location. Designed by architect Dino Raccanello and interior expert Chantelle Kramer, the boutique blends legacy with innovation. CEO Alexander Schuman calls the North Shore the brand’s “heartland.” Online sales data supports that claim many purchases still come from this region. Launching the new store here isn’t a coincidence it’s a tribute. The concept will later roll out to the brand’s 24 boutiques across Australia and New Zealand. However, starting in Chatswood shows its importance. It’s a community that has supported Carla Zampatti for years, and now they’re getting the brand’s next chapter first.