Tesla to open second Melbourne store – first in an Aussie shopping centre

Tesla today announced they will open their first store inside a shopping centre in Australia with a new retail location for the car company in the busy Chadstone Shopping Centre.

While Tesla has several existing locations, the Chadstone location will be the first “retail” like location, following a similar theme to many of the company’s US stores.

The existing Artarmon and Richmond stores are more like a traditional car dealer from the street, while the Martin Place store in Sydney is very much a flagship retail location for the brand.

In Chadstone the Tesla store will open in October with room for two vehicles, set to include the new-to-Australia SUV the Model X alongside the Model S.

Tesla’s sales model is a shake up for the local industry as it was globally, with a direct to consumer model allowing prospective buyers to pop into a store, design and order a car in the Design Studio, or simply experience the car to then order online on their own.

A “destination charger” will also remain at Chadstone, where Tesla has for a long time already had an in-centre display for their vehicle – the Retail store solidifies their commitment to the area.