Retailers have had enough of Indooroopilly Shopping Centre dramas

A MAJOR Brisbane shopping centre faces a backlash from about 70 retailers angry at the handling of issues plaguing the once busy precinct. The centre’s latest fix has just added insult to injury, they say.

DO NOT USE BEFORE DEC 28TH, CONTACT COURIER MAIL PIC DESK Aerial images over Brisbane in summer. Indooroopilly Shopping Centre.

RETAILERS are revolting against Indooroopilly Shopping Centre due to a dramatic fall in foot traffic turning the shopping hub into a “ghost town”.

A consortium of more than 70 retailers said the centre had a growing number of boarded- up store fronts after dramas with paid parking, rental squabbles and advertising devastated sales.

Unhappy with how centre management has dealt with concerns, retailers have decided to take matters into their own hands by hosting a forum tomorrow night to address the issues crippling retail trade.

“We now have approximately 70 stores willing to participate in an open forum discussing loss of revenue and foot traffic within the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre as a direct result of the paid parking and other associated issues,” an email circulated to retailers and obtained by The Courier-Mail said.

One retail manager, who asked not to be named, said the centre was suffering following the closure of brands such as Adorne, The Tea Bar, Stitch and Co and Koko Black.

“People aren’t shopping anywhere like they used to, everyone’s figures are down,” she said. “The parking dramas caused people to stay away because it was too much hassle and it’s never recovered from that ... midweek it’s a ghost town.”

Shopper Callie Bradway: “...It’s not as jam-packed, the vibe has changed.” Picture: Tara Croser

Shopper Callie Bradway said the centre “was not as busy” since the renovations despite high-profile stores bringing more attention.

“I’d say there used to be more of a hustle and busy vibe compared to now, it’s not as jam-packed, the vibe has changed.”

Parking issues have plagued Indooroopilly for months with shoppers complaining about long delays.

“There are ongoing issues with clients not wanting to stay in the centre and pay for parking,” the email said. “The carpark set up is illogical and confusing ... (and) there’s too much unchallenged negative press.”

The email said some stores had been offered rent reductions to stay in the centre while others were forced to pay higher rates.

Indooroopilly Shopping Centre declined to comment on retailer concerns.