The biggest news in fashion retail this year would have to be the arrival of H&M and Uniqlo in Australia. Both fashion giants opened their first stores in Melbourne and then come October, they both opened in Macquarie Centre in Sydney. This is a big deal in Australia, the same way when Zara and GAP came into our shores. Before these international brands came into view, shopping in Sydney seemed very laidback. I’ve had friends who visit Sydney find it odd that a first world country like Australia doesn’t have GAP, Zara, H&M and Uniqlo. That will change now as these brands plan to open more branches in key cities of Australia.

I’ve actively shared updates regarding the opening H&M and Uniqlo thru facebook and twitter. It’s not so much about shopping. It’s about having more fashion choices which are reasonably priced. It’s about making fashion retail in Australia more competitive–maybe bring Australian brands’ prices down (because some are just ridiculously expensive!). It’s about more jobs opening up for people to apply for.  And personally, I wouldn’t have to shop too much in these stores when we travel (overweight baggage problems) or shop online (and figure out if they really fit me or not) because we have them here too. On the two occasions that we’ve been to visit, I found myself taking the shopping for granted because I know they’ll still be there when I come back…and if not, that’s fine too. They’ll have something else on offer when I come back in again so no worries for me.

The Husband and I have been to H&M and Uniqlo the following week they opened. We only spent about 15 minutes in each store and didn’t buy anything. We’re curious as to how the lay-out of the stores looked like and what clothes they have on offer. The second time we went was last week and we were with couple friends. It was a Thursday night so were were able to have a look around and pick up something we liked. Here’s what we think of these two new stores…