Topshop to Launch in Australia: Looking at Chapel Street and Chatswood Chase. Incu to Stop Stocking the UK Brand

Update: The rumour has been confirmed by the Next Athleisure company has obtained the Australian TOPSHOP and TOPMAN franchise rights, and will be opening in December 2011. The first store is set to be the Jam Factory site in Chapel St in Melbourne.

Australian retail continues to go global! After the mammoth success of Zara’s foray into the local market, Topshop may be the newest kid on the Aussie shopping block. It’s been rumoured for some time, but amid new (still unconfirmed) reports that the UK giant is looking at Chapel Street VIC and Chatswood Chase NSW locations, we spoke to Incu who currently stock the line under their ‘Incu Presents’ brand showcase. Incu will be phasing out their retail partnership, with the Sydney store handing guardianship of the Topshop line to their new Melbourne store for one last season (S/S 2011-12, for us), before replacing it with a new boutique line. So, no more Topshop at Incu! Smells to us like the British chain store is doing some serious prep to launch in Oz. We’re yet to hear back from Chatswood Chase reps on this latest rumour, but we promise we’ll keep you in the loop.