NSW:Shoppers embrace Zara with a frenzy

AAP General News (Australia)
04-20-2011
NSW:Shoppers embrace Zara with a frenzy

EDS: Reissuing, correcting timeline in second par



SYDNEY, April 20 AAP - A shopping frenzy normally reserved for Boxing Day sales has
marked the opening of Spanish retailer Zara in Sydney's Pitt Street mall.

The global fashion powerhouse, which prides itself on delivering top runway fashion
to racks within two weeks, opened its doors on Wednesday morning to mostly 20-something
women eager to update their winter wardrobes.

Hundreds of shoppers had a spring in their step as they made their way into the store
at 9am (AEST).

Within 10 minutes of opening security prevented additional people from going in, leaving
about 50 waiting outside.

Ashley Balmain from Adelaide was first in line.

A guest of the nearby Swiss Hotel, Ms Balmain arrived at 3.30am (AEST) to beat the rush.

"I come to Sydney once a year to do shopping," she said.

"Adelaide doesn't have much winter clothing."

At Zara she said she was hoping to find "good basics" including jackets, belts and gloves.

She was joined by Anna Barletta, from Sydney, two hours later.

Bridget Samara and Jennifer Ma got there about 6.30am (AEST).

Ms Samara said she had previously bought Zara in Italy.

"It's high fashion at an affordable price," she said.

She planned on spending about $1,000 at the store on Wednesday.

And she appeared to be sticking to her plan.

Within five minutes of the store opening she was spotted heading towards the change
room, arms laden down with garments.

Ms Ma was looking for a woollen coat. "You can get them here for $250," she said.

Australia is the 78th country to become home to Zara, which first opened in Spain in
1975 and is owned by Inditex.

A Melbourne store is due to open in June.

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KEYWORD: ZARA (REISSUING)

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