Brisbane Myer Centre rebranding sparks controversy: What replaces it?

Brisbane residents have slammed the new name for the Myer Centre - but the bigger question is now what replaces the old favourite? VOTE NOW

An old favourite may be gone but it looks like a new one isn’t going to replace it.

The closure of the Myer Centre in July 2023 meant the end of an era for many shoppers – however the decision to rebrand the location as Uptown hasn’t gone down well.

Despite the love affair with the old venue, many couriermail.com.au readers insisted the new name is “stupid”, “awful” or “American”.

However, as reader Anthony Mcglashan put it, “So who’s going to move in there to replace Myers?”

Based off reader suggestions, we’re asking what you’d like to see now - VOTE BELOW.

SCROLL DOWN TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE NEW NAME

While reaction to the new name was savage, things got even worse on Tuesday morning with the “Uptown Brisbane” website failing to launch.

“Should have called it Downhill,” one commenter said.

“Will Billy Joel be at the opening ceremony,” said another.

Pics: Myer Brisbane cleaned out on last day

VIEW GALLERY

Advertised as “still Brisbane’s place in the city to dress up, eat up and play up,” the new brand has enlisted the help of local influencers to advertise the centre as still relevant.

Queensland personal trainer and wellbeing coach Rachel Thaiday who boasts an impressive 17,300 followers on Instagram partnered with Uptown.

“What’s up...town,” Ms Thaiday said in a reel, showing herself walking up an Uptown escalator and showing the view at the top of the building.

The Courier-Mail contacted numerous retailers in the new shopping precinct to much avail with the majority of stores saying they were unable to comment on the name change as well as how their business would fare after the loss of Myer.

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However, Uptown L’Occitane’s assistant manager Nancy said today was the first time they had heard of the new name.

“It was the first time we had heard anything about the name change,” she said.

“We are very worried, since the announcement three months ago about Myer leaving. We will be moving to Queens Plaza in October.”

As well as the new website failing to open, a $1,000 gift voucher competition the brand is running is also not working: “oops! Something went wrong. we are sorry but the page you requested cannot be found.”

It is still unclear as to what will replace Myer at the centre.

WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT MYER CENTRE CHANGING TO UPTOWN

Jen Eady

It shall always be known as the Myer Centre to me!

Kat

Sounds like an American mall. Stupid name.

Reece Brandon McGlinchey

Bring back tops just bigger and better

Terry Eastwick

They should keep it the way it was named I wonder what is going to be where Myers was I think K mart or Big W will be going in!!!

Robyn West

Another Americanism! It was always “ the top of town”.

Inside the Myer store in Brisbane's CBD on its last day of trade. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Annette Smith

Very Americanised!! Awful

Pamela Penny

It always happens they try to change the name of an Iconic mall but it will always be known a The Myer Centre no matter what they try

Elizabeth

White Elephant?

Jamo Robb

Why can’t they just leave it as queen St mall

Kim Rogan

Sounds like a Friday arvo job, “Hurry up and pick a name guys, it’s pot n parmy time”

Dave

Knock it down and build another Olympic stadium or a new Gabba there for Annastacia’s Olympics. No one goes into Brisbane City, not even the workers, so it will be perfect as traffic congestion has reduced substantially now that many continue to work from home.

Sandra Varley Donoghue

Don’t like it already!