MYER MELBOURNE SALE

Last April, Myer's Bourke St store opened after four years of renovations that cost $300 million. This Department Store, a Melbourne icon, has been around for 100 years or so. Sidney Myer (1878-1934) arrived in Melbourne in 1899 as a penniless Russian migrant. In his lifetime not only did he achieve great business success, but also became renowned, respected and admired as a leading philanthropist, whose legacy continues to this day through the Sidney Myer Fund and the Myer Community Fund. In 1934, his unexpected death left the people of Melbourne shocked and numb, with more than 100,000 mourners lining the streets to pay their final respects and witness the funeral procession.

The renovated Bourke St store is quite stunning, with a central atrium surrounded by escalators that give access to the various Departments on all floors. There is much glass, mirrors, lights and an open, welcoming look. This was a much-needed refurbishment, but like all large retail outlets Myer is experiencing enormous competitive pressure from online shopping. Almost everything you can buy in a retail store you can probably buy online cheaper, or at least find an alternative retailer that sells it cheaper. However, many people are still willing to pay more for the face-to-face shopping experience in a an environment that allows for social interactions, trying on of clothing, and comparison of quality of goods that one can handle and really see...

This post is part of the Signs, Signs meme.