Harvey Norman now has 198 franchised complexes and 120 company-operated stores in eight countries, reaching a population of 90 million. Harvey Norman represents over 5,000 brands and more than 300,000 products.
“At the centre of our omni-channel retail expansion is the Harvey Norman flagship strategy. Our plan was to set a course for the future of the Harvey Norman brand, and in doing so, our eight flagships set the bar for all other stores in our eight countries,” Harvey Norman CEO, Katie Page said.
“Underpinning the flagship strategy is the leadership of our managing directors and their expert teams. Each brings deep market insight and operational excellence to ensure that Harvey Norman’s flagship stores achieve both commercial and strategic objectives in their respective region. We are about to mark nine years since the first Harvey Norman flagship opened – Singapore’s Milllenia Walk.”
Singapore & Malaysia
Harvey Norman Singapore & Malaysia managing director, Bernice Kwok said the Millenia Walk shopping complex attracts over 700,000 visitors annually. “Home to the 100,000 square feet Harvey Norman flagship, its enduring success is a testament to the original blueprint to deliver the best in-store home and lifestyle customer shopping experience.”
In October 2024, the Harvey Norman Malaysian flagship relocated from Ikano to the Mid Valley shopping centre. Mid Valley was chosen for its central location in Kuala Lumpur and sits within one of Malaysia’s largest shopping centres.
Kwok said Mid Valley Mega Mall has an estimated 17 million visitors per annum. “Remarkable from a national population of 34.1 million people. The new Malaysian flagship has expanded its footprint to 61,000 square feet.”
Australia & New Zealand
Harvey Norman’s first and largest franchised complex in Australia is in Sydney’s Auburn, which is celebrating 42 years in 2024.
“The Auburn complex was always the intended home of Harvey Norman Australia’s flagship. Set at 174,000 square feet, our Auburn franchisees employ over 170 people in one store – each an expert in their product category,” Page said.
“Auckland’s Wairau Park 72,000 square feet flagship is situated in a catchment of close to one million people. It opened in quick succession following Australia, creating momentum for Harvey Norman’s network of 47 company-operated stores in New Zealand.
Europe
“The EU flagships – Ljubljana in Slovenia and Zagreb in Croatia continue to grow in foot traffic due to both countries’ strategic location within the European Union. The Ljubljana flagship is within a two-hour drive of the Austrian, Hungarian and Northern Italian borders.”
Harvey Norman Europe managing director, Melissa Wilson said the Harvey Norman 110,000 square feet Slovenia flagship is centrally located in BTC City in the capital, Ljubljana.
“Croatia’s flagship Harvey Norman Zagreb has undergone a major re-design to maximise its in-store appeal aiming to increase the current annual footfall of over 647,000 visitors. The 97,000 square feet store is located within the popular King Cross shopping centre, which is undergoing a comprehensive renovation due for completion in 2025.”
The Harvey Norman flagship strategy has continued to expand in 2024, in particular, recognising the unique growth potential in Zagreb due to the demographics and population size.
“To capitalise on this opportunity Harvey Norman has purchased a strategically located block in East Zagreb. The company will build a new two-level, 200,000 square feet complex with Harvey Norman occupying half the retail space and the remaining area leased to other retailers, set to open in late 2026.”
Ireland
Harvey Norman Ireland managing director, Tim Hannon said the Irish flagship in Tallaght is set over 58,000 square feet and only a 20-minute drive from the centre of Dublin. “Approximately 2.3 million people in Ireland live within 20km of one of the 16 Irish stores.”
The UK
After a four-year search, Harvey Norman expanded its UK footprint in October 2024 with the launch of its first English flagship at Merry Hill shopping centre.
“The opportunities in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands were simply too strong to pass up. As a key region for the UK economy, the West Midlands aligns perfectly with our vision and priorities,” Page said.
“The Harvey Norman Merry Hill flagship is built to impress with an architecturally designed exterior and an inviting and dynamic interior. Customers are motivated to keep returning once they understand the extent of the home and lifestyle offering. It’s a destination designed to elevate the retail experience and set a new standard in the UK.”
Harvey Norman UK managing director, Lachlan Roach said the West Midlands region is home to five million people.
“Located within the Merry Hill shopping centre, Harvey Norman’s UK flagship covers a footprint of 57,000 square feet in a precinct that is ranked in the top 10 UK shopping centres with an annual footfall of 20 million. The opportunity within the West Midlands is so compelling, Harvey Norman will open a second store within the growing region.”
Across eight countries, Harvey Norman’s omni-channel model – integrating both physical stores and online services, remains a proven blueprint for sustainable retail growth, adapting to meet customer needs in a dynamic retail landscape, according to Page.
“Each flagship store reflects our dedication to making a lasting impact. Powered by expert teams and driven by an understanding of the customer in each country, Harvey Norman will continue to scale for real growth,” she said.