Myer to reopen five Queensland stores as shoppers flock back to shopping centres

Retailer Myer has announced five Queensland stores will reopen from Friday, the first of its outlets across the country to do so, but there’ll be some big changes. It comes as another retailer extends opening hours.

MYER will reopen five of its Queensland department stores on Friday, in yet another sign that the coronavirus-hit retail sector is coming back to life.

The chain’s stores at Chermside, Carindale, North Lakes, Townsville and Toowoomba will be the first open in Australia following the retail giant’s decision to shut its stores nationwide and stand down more than 10,000 workers in March.

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It comes as shoppers flocked to major centres across Queensland over the weekend as non-essential shopping restrictions were eased.

Department store Myer closed its stores and stood down 10,000 staff in March. Picture: Toby Zerna

Kathmandu and Rip Curl are among brands to have reopened dozens of stores, while Big W has also announced it will resume late-night shopping at brick-and-mortar locations.

In a statement today, a Myer spokesman confirmed that five Queensland stores would reopen as a trial, while outlets in other states would remain shut.

However, customers would be unable to try on clothes, with fitting rooms and suit, shoe and intimate apparel fittings to remain closed.

“Our priority continues to be the health and wellbeing of our customers and team members and to assist and support governments in limiting the spread of COVID-19,” the spokesman said.

Customers still won’t be able to try on clothes, with change rooms to stay closed. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

“In line with the easing of restrictions in Queensland, we look forward to trialling the opening of five Queensland stores, providing our customers with great brands at great value, in a safe shopping environment.”

Staff will also be given protective equipment such as face masks and cough screens at counters, while there will also be hand sanitising stations for customers.

Customers will also be made to keep a 1.5-metre distance from one another in line with social distancing guidelines.

Retailer Big W has also joined in on the retailer rush, this afternoon announcing it will be re-extending store hours to incorporate late night shopping from tomorrow.

It comes as the company sees a surge in online shopping, with Big W anticipating a "dad dash" in the lead up to Mother's Day this Sunday.

The news is despite competitor Target announcing three stores would close in South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia in coming months.

Queensland University of Technology's Dr Gary Mortimer said many stores were still not yet choosing to reopen. Picture: File.

Retail expert and QUT professor Dr Gary Mortimer said that despite the rush from big brands to reopen brick and mortar stores over the last week, the impacts of lockdown are expected to be felt for some time to come.

"I think it's going to be a very long road to retail recovery," Dr Mortimer said. "Those initial shoots of sales started to eventuate across the weekend, and while some people did venture into shopping centres, not all retailers were open for business."

"I suspect some consumers would be still concerned about contracting COVID-19," he said.

Despite Myer choosing to reopen some Queensland stores, the retail giant did not reopen its flagship store in the CBD, a decision Dr Mortimer suspected was due to a lack of office workers travelling into the city.

Big W has moved to resume late night shopping. Picture: File.

He said it wasn't clear whether Myer reopening some Sunshine State locations was due to relaxed laws or because of favourable rents compared to other states.

Dr Mortimer said Myer reopening while stopping shoppers from trying on clothes would also disincentivise some from spending.

"Many people shop physically in store because they have the ability to try on clothes," he said.

"Without that, it becomes more challenging to sell clothes."