The 15-year-old business, which started in Christchurch, had been considering opening a shop in Dunedin, but the February earthquake meant "fast-tracking" the decision, Global's Auckland-based area manager Jasmine Cucksey said yesterday.
The move was partly prompted by the "stalling" of insurance claims in Christchurch and also being unable to find new premises there to relocate, she said.
"On our first visit [to Dunedin], it was bustling and vibrant. We spotted the location straight away. Everything was up and running very quickly - about five weeks," she said.
Global Fabrics has outlets now in Dunedin, Auckland and Wellington, with two trading as The Fabric Store in Melbourne and Sydney. The Christchurch outlet could reopen within 12 months.
"Every other [Dunedin] business has been really helpful, from sourcing and services through to material. There's been a lot of sharing of local knowledge, which has been really nice," she said.
Another positive aspect to the Dunedin relocation, was having 112 applications for three full-time positions at the outlet, including applicants with fabric and fashion backgrounds.
Global sells end-of-season fabric runs, from designers including Lisa Ho, Donna Karan and Zimmerman, and specialises in New Zealand merino jersey knit fabrics and natural fibres.
"We already had a very loyal Dunedin customer base, coming in to see us in Christchurch and also Melbourne," Ms Cucksey said.
Global has a long relationship with Otago Polytechnic students, suppling discounted fabrics for assignments and final-year collections for several years.
