Super Retail Group opens 800th store and Victoria’s largest BCF

Four major retail brands open side by side at a $90 million, 14,100 sqm Large Format Retail precinct in south-eastern Melbourne.

Super Retail Group has opened its 800th store, with Victoria’s biggest BCF opening alongside new rebel, Supercheap Auto and Macpac stores at BWP Group’s Fountain Gate Central development in Narre Warren.

The four stores occupy three-quarters of the 14,100 sqm Large Format Retail precinct , which has transformed a former Bunnings site into a sustainable and exciting new retail space.

It is the first time in the company’s history that all four of Super Retail Group’s auto, sports and outdoor brands opened side by side.

The development, which opened on 24 October is home to  Victoria’s first BCF Superstore and Australia’s largest rebel sport experience zone.

Together, the four stores have created new full-time, part-time, and casual jobs for almost 70 retail workers and required more than 170 construction workers and store fitout team members.

Super Retail Group Managing Director, Paul Bradshaw, said the investment in four new stores in Victoria comes after the Group opened its new national distribution centre at Truganina last year.

“We are excited to see our four fantastic brands anchor this exciting new development in a busy and growing area of Victoria just in time for the peak Christmas trading period,’’ Mr Bradshaw  said.

“This investment is part of our strategic plan to deliver a strong pipeline of new store openings to meet our customers when and how they want to shop with us.

“We know our customers love being able to access an in-store experience with our team and our product range, and we are delighted to celebrate a first for Super Retail Group with the opening of four new stores on the same day.”

BCF Managing Director Michael Wassman said the Fountain Gate store is the first BCF Superstore in Victoria and the state’s largest at over 3,500 sqm.

“With Port Phillip Bay and the Victorian High Country right on its doorstep, the Fountain Gate BCF Superstore will be a one-stop shop for Fishos and outdoor fanatics in Victoria’s East,” Mr Wassman said.

“Our Superstore format offers customers an extended range of their favourite gear plus unique shopping experiences and activation zones.

“From our power solution wall to our 4WD and caravan concept displays, the store will bring to life our best brands and the biggest range in Victoria.”

BWP Group’s Managing Director, Mark Scatena, said the Fountain Gate development had transformed an 11,000 sqm former Bunnings warehouse into a 14,100 sqm Large Format Retail precinct.

“Fountain Gate Central sets a benchmark for retail renewal while delivering a leading retail and lifestyle precinct in a busy and growing area of Melbourne,’’ he said.

“At Fountain Gate Central, we have transformed a former retail warehouse into a highly activated retail space that supports compelling store formats across Super Retail Group’s four market-leading brands. And by repurposing the existing building structure and reusing materials already on site, we have sought to reduce construction waste and manage the environmental footprint of the redevelopment activity.

“We are proud of this redevelopment and we are appreciative of the collaboration and partnership with the City of Casey, Mainbrace Constructions, Hames Sharley Architects and Super Retail Group in bringing Fountain Gate Central to life.”

The Macpac store at Fountain Gate is the first in Victoria to showcase the brand’s newest store design concept, Featuring a care and repair station, a footwear terrain trail, and a new fixture suite, alongside quality gear, technical expertise, and practical adventure guidance .

Reuben Casey, Managing Director of Macpac, said opening the new Fountain Gate Central store marks a significant milestone for the company as it continues to support the wider outdoor community in Victoria.

“Our journey began over 50 years ago, and it’s incredibly special to have the opportunity to showcase an extended range of quality gear in a space where customers can draw on the knowledge and expertise of our team,” Mr Casey said.

The Fountain Gate rebel features the largest experience zone of any rebel in Australia, giving customers the opportunity to try products before they buy. The multi-purpose court is only the second in Australia to support one of the country’s fastest-growing sports in pickleball.

“We are excited to open this incredible new store, which will be the go-to destination for Victoria’s biggest, fastest-growing and most-loved sports like football, basketball and pickleball,’’ rebel Managing Director Jenny Child said.

“Victorians are incredibly passionate about sport and the new Fountain Gate store will bring together an incredible range of the biggest and most popular sports, brands and products in one of our flagship rebel customer experience store formats.’’

Supercheap Auto Managing Director, Ben McConnell, said the new Fountain Gate store would give Narre Warren customers an even greater range of products in a brand new local store.

“We know how passionate our customers in Narre Warren are about taking care of their cars and kitting out their vehicles with the brands they love,” he said. “We are excited to now be able to offer an even wider range of brands and products our customers want, particularly in the 4WD category,’’ said Mr McConnell.

The Fountain Gate precinct features:

• The largest rebel experience zone in Australia, offering a multi-sports court experience including basketball, football and pickleball.
• 100% electric system with a 693KW solar array and battery storage, a 50,000L rainwater harvesting system and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems to support energy efficiency and sustainability.
• 425 car spaces, four EV charging stations, 24 bicycle parking spots.
• Red Cross Donation centre, gym, allied health services and dining options.