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Retail Outlook Breakfast

  • February 14, 2019

Retail Outlook Breakfast

The Retail Market Outlook Breakfast took place on Tuesday 12 February, at the W Hotel in Brisbane. Over 320 people attended the sold-out breakfast to hear retail industry leaders’ expectations for the year ahead. 

Ian Shimmin, Regional Director of Urbis, provided his insights on the factors that are set to shape the sector, and the latest figures on consumer spending.

Ian was joined by Daniel Sutton, Regional General Manager Shopping Centres – QLD/NSW for Vicinity Centres; and Andrew Thompson, Project Director of West Village for Sekisui House. The session was moderated by Kym Thrift, Retail Leasing Executive for AMP Capital, and Chair of the Property Council’s Queensland Retail Committee.

Panellists discussed the growth in the online sector and the latest trends from the United States, which have seen online retailers move into traditional brick and mortar buildings. While highlighting the closure of shopping centres in America, the panellists concluded that the centres were closing as a result of an oversaturation ocentres in the market and should not be a concern for the Australian retail industry.

Panellists agreed that retail centres need to turn their attention towards creating recreational spaces, as well as shopping precincts. The latest trend to install exercise suites in underutilised, vacant spaces was suggested, along with other wellbeing initiatives that encourages customers to visit.

Daniel and Andrew also spoke to the importance of sustainable practices, explaining the need for centres to produce innovative waste solutions and embedded electricity networks.

The Property Council would like to thank Ian, Kym, Daniel and Andrew for speaking at the event. Thank you also to our support sponsor, Trolley Stopper.

The event was also used as an opportunity to raise funds to support the local community in Townsville, following the devastating floods. If you would like to donate, please visit Givit’s website

Photos from the event are available here