American-style mega malls to entice Aussie shoppers
Rollercoasters and aquariums could be coming to a shopping centre near you, as retailers seek new ways to entice customers into actual stores. The NSW Business Chamber has revealed the Sydney regions where a US-style mega mall should be built.
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Roller-coasters and aquariums could be coming to a shopping centre near you, as Australian retailers try new ways to entice customers into actual stores.
The online shopping boom is forcing bricks and mortar retailers to step up their game to attract buyers — potentially using major attractions that are common in US mega malls.
The 550,000sqm Mall of America in Minnesota attracts more than 40 million visitors a year from all over the world to its aquarium, indoor theme park, cinema complex and more than 550 shops including four major department stores.
But that’s nothing compared with the Iran Mall being built in Tehran, which is already 1,400,00sqm and growing to 1,950,000sqm with 2500 shops, 12 IMAX cinemas, 200 restaurants, a museum, 15 sports fields, an ice rink, tennis courts and a swimming pool.
The NSW Business Chamber believes there are opportunities in the growth areas of Sydney for larger malls.
“I don’t think we’ll ever get to the mega malls that the US has just because of space but there may be opportunities in the northwest and the western corridors of Sydney,” spokesman Damian Kelly said.
“Shopping can be a reason for tourism in itself.”
Shopping Centre Council of Australia executive director Angus Nardi said his members including Mirvac, Scentre Group, Stockland and Vicinity Centres were constantly trying to find new ways to get shoppers spending.
Aussie shoppers are also demanding longer opening hours, plus childcare, gyms, holistic centres and community gardens alongside shops.
“We’re in a consumer market, and ultimately about providing a superior customer experience that drives frequent visitation,” he said.
Mr Nardi said Vicinity Centres recently announced a $403 million expansion to Chatswood Chase shopping centre, which would add new levels of shops, longer trading hours and a 10-screen cinema.
Across Sydney suburbs, the online buying boom is crippling classic shopping strips, along with the traditional Thursday night shopping.
Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman says the demise of “high street” strips can clearly be seen in places such Hornsby and Epping, which he said have been “decimated” by large centres such as Macquarie Centre.
Yet leasing agents say shopfronts along Pitt, George and King Sts in central Sydney are in high demand.
“Luxury, premium and international fashion is what is driving strip retail in the city, but super convenient, everyday essentials is what is driving retail in the metropolitan market,” Colliers International retail leasing director George Wragge said.
Stephanie Stopford, 22, who was shopping in Hornsby yesterday, said she would like to see the US mega mall-style of shopping centre in Australia.
“I’ve been to America and the shopping scene, it’s just a better atmosphere and a better vibe,” she said.
“Bringing those super malls here, it would boost the economy, bring in more tourists.”
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