Shopping

Shoppers are heading back into retail centres in good numbers and investors are not far behind, with large deals getting done by major players.

Majestic department stores were once the heartbeats of Australian capitals. But hardly any remain. Where did they go? And for those remaining, are their days numbered? Those coming and going from the Downing Centre courthouse …

Fresh deals are resetting the shopping centre market as big institutions look to make an exit.

Shopping centres are dragging customers back in and investors are following suit as big malls re-emerge as an attractive asset class.

The sale of a stake in the $900m centre will be a litmus test for the market as big malls are turned into destinations for living and entertainment.

The sector’s defensive characteristics are drawing big investors even as retail property deals slow.

Private fund managers are making the running as the retail property market resets.

Major shopping centres are better positioned than top office towers to deal with an expected influx of electric vehicles into capital cities as they have more chargers.

Retail landlords are bullish about the recovery from the pandemic but the outlook could prove more challenging.