Key Takeaways
- H&M has closed its store in Tauranga Crossing due to a failed lease renewal agreement
- The store closed suddenly, without a closing-down sale, and customers were notified directly if they were signed up to H&M’s fashion news
- Staff have been relocated to other H&M stores where possible
- Tauranga Crossing is evolving and assessing its retail offerings, with new stores such as JB Hi-Fi and Cotton On Mega set to open in the coming months
- The closure of H&M Tauranga is one of several retail closures announced across New Zealand in recent weeks
Introduction to the Closure
The sudden closure of H&M’s store in Tauranga Crossing has left customers and staff shocked and surprised. According to Mathew Nash, a journalist at NZME, he visited the store one day and when he returned the next, it was closed. The day after that, the store was empty, with no signs of a closing-down sale or any indication that the store was shutting its doors for good. Nash described the experience as if H&M had "disappeared overnight". Other shoppers also expressed their surprise and disappointment at the closure, with many saying they had no idea the store was closing.
The Closure Explained
H&M confirmed to the Bay of Plenty Times that the store closed on January 7 due to a failed lease renewal agreement. The company stated that customers who were signed up to its fashion news were notified directly of the closure. The two-level store, which spanned approximately 2600 square meters, had been a part of the Tauranga community for almost seven years and had employed around 50 staff. The store offered a range of apparel and accessories for men, women, and children, as well as homewares. H&M has more than 4000 stores worldwide and operates several stores in New Zealand, including four in Auckland, two in Christchurch, one in Wellington, and another in Hamilton.
Impact on Staff and Customers
The closure of the store has had a significant impact on staff, with some being relocated to other H&M stores. The company stated that where possible, staff had been given the opportunity to continue their careers with H&M at other locations. Customers, on the other hand, have been left disappointed and surprised by the sudden closure. Many had been regular shoppers at the store and were looking forward to continuing to shop there. The closure has also had an impact on the local community, with some expressing concerns about the loss of a popular retail destination.
Tauranga Crossing’s Response
Tauranga Crossing chief executive Andrew Campbell thanked H&M for its contribution to the center and its customers over the years. He stated that the transition was initiated by Tauranga Crossing and mutually agreed to in early 2025. Campbell said that the center was evolving and continually assessing its retail offerings to meet the needs of its community. He also announced that new stores, including JB Hi-Fi and Cotton On Mega, would be opening in the coming months. The closure of H&M is not the only change happening at Tauranga Crossing, with the center having recently opened a $55 million expansion, which included a new Farmers store.
Broader Retail Trends
The closure of H&M Tauranga is not an isolated incident, with several other retail closures announced across New Zealand in recent weeks. EB Games, for example, has announced that it is shutting down its New Zealand business and closing all stores at the end of the month. Tauranga Crossing was only notified of the closure of its EB Games store this week and is currently in discussions with potential new retailers. The shopping center is committed to creating a vibrant and future-focused destination for the region and is looking forward to keeping the community updated on its plans.
Future Developments
Despite the closures, Tauranga Crossing is looking to the future, with several new stores and developments in the pipeline. The center has recently opened a new expansion, which includes a flagship Farmers store, and is set to welcome new retailers, including JB Hi-Fi and Cotton On Mega. The center is also situated beside major infrastructure upgrades, including the Cambridge Rd intersection on SH29, the Takitimu North Link, and the continued expansion of the Tauriko Business Estate. With its commitment to creating a vibrant and future-focused destination, Tauranga Crossing is well-placed to continue to meet the needs of its community and provide a popular retail destination for years to come.
