Iconic SA brand - Mercato - named as Eighty Eight O'Connell's flagship tenant

North Adelaide will get another slice of Italy following iconic retailer Mercato’s expansion into the $250 million Eighty Eight O’Connell development.

The brand, which had its beginnings in Campbelltown, will include a retail section, restaurant and bar, spread out across 850sq m.

Mercato Managing Director John Caporaso says the new store would bring an authentic Italian experience to North Adelaide.

“We can’t wait to share our family’s rich history as dedicated, personable and community minded retailers,” John says.

“We have the view that the world needs to eat, drink and live better.

“Our Eighty Eight O’Connell store will act as our show piece to all our visitors while Campbelltown will remain as an integral ally to this, acting as the community hub.

“We are forward thinkers who believe in diversification and dedicate our time to this ever-changing world, so we thought this was a perfect opportunity for us.”

Commercial & General is redeveloping Eighty Eight O’Connell, offering 160 premium apartments and five penthouses across three buildings, connected by a multifunctional podium.

There will be three levels of retail, commercial, resident and community amenities, including health, beauty and homeware tenancies as well as a yoga and Pilates studio.

An outdoor terrace is accessible to the public and can be used to host community events.

Commercial & General Executive Chairman Jamie McClurg says he looks forward to welcoming Mercato into North Adelaide.

“We are very pleased to be welcoming Mercato to Eighty Eight O’Connell as one of our key retail tenants,” Jamie says.

“Our vision for Eighty Eight O’Connell has always been to revitalise North Adelaide and this announcement shows how we’re delivering on that promise; we know the Mercato offering – which has a strong focus on quality – will be a fantastic drawcard.

“The result is going to be a great place where the community can gather again and will support activity on the Tynte Street corner.

“This announcement is the first of many to come as we continue to invigorate North Adelaide through the revitalisation of a site that is all about leaving a lasting legacy.”

Eighty Eight O’Connell is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2025.