David Jones to shift HQ to Melbourne

South African retailer Woolworths says it will relocate David Jones' Sydney head office to Melbourne.

The parent company of David Jones will relocate the department store's head office to Melbourne. (AAP)

The parent company of David Jones will close the department store chain's Sydney head office and shift it to Melbourne.

South African retailer Woolworths, which bought David Jones and took control of fashion group Country Road in 2014, says the David Jones and Country Road head office will be relocated to Richmond.

Victoria's Premier Daniel Andrews said the move will create 1,500 jobs for Victoria.