Burberry Boomtown love a short affair
Less than five years after a star-studded opening in the Wesley quarter, the Burberry fashion label is pulling out of WA.
The glamour label that has famously exported classic Brit style across the globe is set to close its doors over what is believed to be a lease issue.
The brand opened in the 446sqm Wesley Quarter in September 2009, just as its landlords, the Uniting Church, completed a $150 million overhaul.
Actress Melissa George was flown in for the opening, which was attended by local football stars and businesspeople.
It was spruiked as Burberry's biggest stand-alone store in Australia in one of the country's hottest shopping precincts.
But it seems fashion and religion have clashed, with insiders claiming Burberry has chosen not to renew its lengthy lease, which would have committed it to the William Street shop for at least another four years.
Insiders claim Burberry management was not entirely happy with the shop's location, believing it was not "suitable" enough for the exclusive brand.
Although its neighbours at the Wesley Quarter include exclusive brands such as Emporio Armani, most of the top brands are concentrated around the corner on King Street - home to Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Tiffany & Co jewellery store.
There is speculation that Burberry may consider a lease in the western suburbs' Claremont Quarter, which had not fully opened when Burberry initially committed to the city store.
However, while Burberry is pulling out of WA for now, insiders claim it wants to renew a WA presence as soon as it finds a suitable shop. Burberry could not be contacted.
