The $350m redevelopment of WA’s Carousel Shopping Centre has been completed opening in August now the largest retail space in WA with 330 shops. The $850m refurb for Karrinyup has started and looks to double the previous size with a whole series of new offerings including a movie theatre. With all the chatter about online retail, what is the motivation by the likes of Westfield in the case of Karrinyup to spend $850m to modernise a traditional shopping centre? Is it a risky strategy or is too risky not to?
They are more than shopping precincts and have turned into more entertainment districts? With the latest in shopping, dining, movies and entertainment the strategy seems to have moved from shopping to “Living Centres” … dedicated playgrounds, outdoor amphitheatres, valet service, dedicated Uber pick up and drop off zones.
It’s a different world in retail today.
Roger Simpson, in the studio with 6PR’s Ollie Peterson, walks through some of the motivation, what is required for the future of retail and its general health across WA and the country.
