Today’s opening of the new Harris Scarfe homewares concept store – hs home – at the Gepps Cross Homemaker Centre signals a new era for the retailer.
 
The store is the first of its kind to be opened in Australia and managing director Joe Barberis said it was the next stage in the company’s evolution.
 
“We have been planning this for some time and we are very excited to be opening hs home in South Australia, where it originally all began for Harris Scarfe,” he said.
 
“hs home will operate under a modified Harris Scarfe banner and will continue to provide all the big brand names that customers love at great value prices.
 
“The exciting part about hs home will be the new destination, the new offer and the new look and it is being launched here first in Adelaide.”
 
hs home will employ 20 retail staff, providing a boost for the local economy and Barberis is confident the new store will generate a strong following from both loyal Harris Scarfe customers and a new clientele.
 
“Harris Scarfe is in a unique position in the marketplace whereby the company is benefiting from the current flight to value by consumers,” said Barberis.
 
Barberis said hs home had been designed with a contemporary, ‘leading edge’ feel, and had taken inspiration from some of the world’s most well-known homewares stores.
 
“Adelaide has really never seen anything like this and we are confident that the concept will take off, leading to more hs stores around the country in the future,” he said.
 
“This is also a real sign of confidence in the South Australian economy and the retail sector.”
 
Harris Scarfe has undergone a period of growth in the past 12 months, following Momentum Private Equity acquiring control in April 2007 and currently has annual sales of more than $330 million from 40 stores Australia-wide.
 
Barberis said the retailer was also on schedule to open more Harris Scarfe stores around Australia in the next 18 months.
 
hs home will feature four key areas for shoppers to indulge in – tableware, kitchenware, bedroom and bathroom. The store also features a range of new and exciting brands including Salt & Pepper, Jamie Oliver, Sheridan, Linen House and Esprit, as well as extensions to existing brands currently within Harris Scarfe
 
hs home will offer customers a range of promotions and special offers to celebrate the opening of its new store.