Glitzy stores pull crowds to Queen St

Heart of the City's Viv Beck says it is important for Auckland to retain a distinct character. Photo / Supplied

Shoppers are coming back to Queen St as a range of glitzy stores open on the city's golden mile.

Spending in the September quarter was up almost $20 million on the same period last year and foot traffic had also increased.

The arrival of luxury labels such as Prada, Dior and Hugo Boss, along with much-loved favourites Farmers and Topshop, have lifted Queen St's profile over the last two years.

The luxury block along lower Queen St is set to get even bigger with other names like Chanel and Tiffany & Co planning to establish outlets in the adjacent Britomart precinct in the new year.

Statistics from Heart of the City show September 2015 quarter sales in the Queen St precinct of $150.4 million, up 14.9 per cent or almost $20 million on the same quarter last year.

International card holder spending across the city centre (not just Queen St) accounted for 18.2 per cent or $69.9 million of the total spend in the quarter ending September 2015. Over the summer ending in March 2015 this figure was higher -- $89.2 million -- 24.3 per cent of the total spending.

Colliers International national research manager, Chris Dibble, said there was still high demand for the traditional "bricks and mortar" shopping experience.

While there was a clear segregation of retail offerings with "the luxury stores and brands at the bottom end, the national brands in the middle and the more convenience stores at the upper end", he didn't see it as a problem.

However, from a tenant's perspective, Mr Dibble said some of the local brands would find it tougher to pay rent at the top end of the market.

The highest rent on offer is $4000 per square metre, compared to $1500 per square metre.

Chief executive of Heart of the City Viv Beck said it was a "really telling story of growth".

"It offers great diversity for those living, working and visiting Auckland."

Retail New Zealand's general manager of public affairs Greg Harford said Queen St's luxury brands and local boutique offerings gave it a point of difference to the suburban malls.

While he said it was likely tourists who'd find the greatest appeal in the luxury brands, there was still ample choice along Queen St for the more cost-conscious shopper.

Farmers, which opened on Queen St in mid-November, was one of the local offerings that had recently returned to the strip to make the most of its retail growth.

Chief executive Rod McDermott said the decision to return after five years away was driven by the growth in those living, working and visiting the area.

"We are a proud Kiwi store among the international offerings," he said.

"We offer a comprehensive range of brands that should appeal to the city-based consumer."

Heart of the City's statistics indicated the corner in front of the store had experienced a 6.5 per cent growth to 9,792,870 pedestrians over the last year.