The new <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/yarraville-green-42-stephen-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Yarraville Green</a> development in Melbourne's inner west is showing that landscaping can be just as influential as architecture, with buyers responding strongly to the garden-first approach adopted from the outset by developer Excelon Projects and the project's design team.

Excelon appointed Six Degrees Architects and landscape architects SBLA to work collaboratively on the development, with a brief to create "a sustainable, design-led building with a focus on community."

That approach has resonated with buyers. According to Next Chapter Director Tom Hirini, who is leading the sales campaign, the landscaped communal garden has become one of the project's defining features, alongside its boutique scale and European-inspired cluster housing concept.

Local downsizers, right-sizers and established families already living in Yarraville and surrounding suburbs have accounted for the majority of purchasers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297740]

Yarraville Green will comprise 53 homes, including apartments and townhomes, arranged around the shared central garden to maximise connections to the landscaped open space. Parking has been moved underground, allowing the ground plane to be dedicated to greenery, pedestrian movement and communal spaces.

The landscape extends well beyond passive planting. Productive garden beds, a pergola, communal gathering spaces, garden sheds and a pet wash have all been integrated into the masterplan, creating spaces designed to encourage everyday interaction between residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297741]

The interiors continue Excelon's focus on craftsmanship, incorporating bespoke elements by Melbourne artisans including leadlight detailing by Adadaz, hand-turned timber hardware by Auburn Woodturning and blown-glass lighting by Ruth Allen.

Sustainability has also been embedded throughout the project, with Yarraville Green targeting an average 7-star NatHERS energy rating through passive design principles, rooftop solar servicing common areas and rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144913 project_image_fid=297735]

Construction continues to progress at Yarraville Green, with structural works well underway and framing works approaching completion under builder Balmain &amp; Co. The project remains on track for completion in mid-2027.

Apartments at Yarraville Green are currently priced from $625,000, while townhomes start from $1.4 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144913]

Joel Robinson

Garden-led design drives buyer demand at Yarraville Green

National diversified developer Fortis has officially launched Crest &amp; Walker, its latest Brisbane apartment development, with construction now underway on the 20-storey Newstead project.

Award-winning builder BINAH has commenced construction on the Bureau^Proberts-designed building, which will deliver a limited collection of 65 two and three-bedroom apartments on Kyabra Street.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373556]

The project marks Fortis' fourth active residential development in Brisbane, following River House, which is nearing completion, alongside projects in New Farm and Hamilton as the national developer continues to expand its South East Queensland pipeline.

Fortis General Manager – Development Queensland Dan Boman said Crest &amp; Walker reflects the developer's long-term commitment to delivering design-led residential projects in Brisbane's established inner-city suburbs.

"We're proud to be strengthening our presence in Brisbane with Crest &amp; Walker, particularly in such a sought-after lifestyle destination as Newstead," Boman said.

"Every Fortis project is shaped by its context, and we approach each one with the respect and care it deserves.

"Our focus is always on creating places that feel connected to their neighbourhood and elevate the everyday experience for residents. Newstead continues to evolve as one of Brisbane's most sought-after urban communities, and Crest &amp; Walker reflects our ambition to contribute meaningfully to that story."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373559]

Positioned between Gasworks Plaza and James Street, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/crest-walker-newstead-12-kyabra-street-newstead-qld-4006">Crest &amp; Walker</a> has been designed as a boutique residential address offering privacy and generous living spaces within one of Brisbane's most established lifestyle precincts.

The building features a contemporary brick podium softened by integrated landscaping, while the upper levels are characterised by restrained architecture and enduring materiality. Interiors have been designed to maximise natural light, acoustic performance and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373583]

Residences comprise spacious two and three-bedroom floorplans, with two-bedroom apartments priced from $1.55 million and three-bedroom, half-floor residences from $3.95 million.

Residents will have access to a wellness-focused rooftop featuring a swimming pool, sauna, steam room, landscaped dining spaces and outdoor lounge areas overlooking Newstead and the Brisbane CBD.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=145922 project_image_fid=373571]

Sales are being managed by Slaite Projects, with Fortis expecting strong demand from owner-occupiers seeking a high-quality, design-focused apartment in one of Brisbane's most tightly held inner-city suburbs.

Completion of Crest &amp; Walker is slated for late 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=145922]

Fortis expands Brisbane pipeline with launch of Crest & Walker in Newstead

The enormity of delivering a true skyscraper in Australia's new development market is often overlooked.

It has taken the best part of a decade since plans for Chevron One were first unveiled, but the 41-storey tower is now complete, with residents collecting their keys and moving into what has become one of the Gold Coast's most recognisable new landmarks.

Rising 127 metres above Chevron Island, Chevron One stands almost twice as high as any other building on the island. Its scale places it alongside the trio of towers at Jewel, arguably the last truly significant addition to the central Gold Coast skyline when they were completed around six years ago.

While there are several developments underway around a similar height to Chevron One, they are more concentrated within clusters of the highest towers in the city. The fact Chevron One sits within a developing precinct, looking back at the other high-rise developments in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, makes it a different proposition altogether. It will certainly become a reference point on the Gold Coast skyline.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68833]

Developer Bensons Property Group is behind the 41-storey tower, which has 229 apartments, along with an exhaustive list of resident amenity spread across what is the largest development site ever assembled on Chevron Island.

The tower has been the talk of the town for years, says Ray White Projects Gold Coast agent Caitlin Rosenboom, who is selling the remaining apartments.

"People have been watching Chevron One go up for years," Rosenboom says, adding that many prospective buyers have been surprised by the scale of the views once they step inside.

"It's only when they walk through a completed apartment that they truly understand the position of the building," Rosenboom says.

"The views are jaw-dropping. Whether you're looking east over the ocean, across Surfers Paradise, along the river systems or out to the hinterland, every level offers something different but equally impressive."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=360215]

One of Chevron One's defining advantages is its location on the eastern side of Chevron Island on Stanhill Drive, a position which protects the views forever.

"There's only one row of houses between Chevron One and the water, and the height restrictions along the river means views from Chevron One can never be built out,"&nbsp;Rosenboom says.

While new apartment developments continue to emerge across the Gold Coast, Rosenboom says opportunities to secure a completed apartment with this level of outlook are becoming increasingly rare.

"The size of the site is something that would be incredibly difficult to replicate today," she says.

"That's allowed Chevron One to deliver the sort of amenity, open space and resident facilities that very few projects can offer. There are not many completed apartment buildings on the Gold Coast right now that can compete with the combination of scale, quality and amenity."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6515 project_image_fid=68839]

There's around 2,000 sqm of amenity solely for the use of residents of Chevron One. Club One features a uniquely shaped swimming pool that mirrors the footprint of the building itself, set within a extensively landscaped gardens. There's also an indoor pool and spa, a fully equipped gym with a Pilates room, a yoga garden, a bookable private dining area and lounge that can host up to 30 people, and a 24-hour concierge service.

As for the buyers, Rosenboom is fielding enquiry from everywhere: Sydneysiders and Melburnians looking at the new and off-the-plan market following the changes in the Federal Budget, as well as those looking to relocate, through to South East Queenslanders seeking either a permanent home or a weekender bolthole.

"The Gold Coast lifestyle continues to resonate with people relocating from the southern states, and when they see the views and the quality of what's been delivered at Chevron One, it becomes very easy for them to understand the appeal," Rosenboom says.

A diverse mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments remain available, with each offering "something a little different", be it the orientation and views, configuration, or level, to suit a wide variety of buyers.

The remaining apartments are ready to inspect in person, by appointment.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6515]

A decade in the making: Residents to move into Chevron One as construction wraps up

A general rule of thumb in new apartment developments is that the penthouses get the rooftop.

It's a formula that's become commonplace across Australia's apartment market. Residents might have access to a pool, gym or barbecue facilities on a dedicated lower level, but the most desirable outdoor spaces are typically reserved for the highest-priced homes at the top of the building.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sherpa-property-group">Sherpa Property Group</a> has taken the opposite approach.

Rather than dedicating the rooftop to a handful of buyers, the Gold Coast developer has made it the centrepiece of its Flourish collection, creating expansive shared spaces from the best vantage point in the building.

The philosophy has reached its most ambitious expression at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-palm-beach-1150-1160-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> in Palm Beach, where two rooftop precincts connected by a skybridge will deliver one of the most extensive lifestyle offerings seen in a residential apartment project on the Gold Coast.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374053]

"We're seeing a clear move toward developments that offer more than just an apartment," Sherpa Group founder Christie Leet said.

"People want spaces that support how they actually live, whether that's working from home, staying active, or spending time with family and friends.

"That's where amenity becomes critical. It's not just about what's included, but how those spaces are designed to be used every day."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374052]

The breadth of amenity has already attracted buyers across multiple demographics. Younger first home buyers have been drawn to Soleira's one-bedroom apartments, a product rarely delivered in Palm Beach, while families have responded to practical inclusions such as the shallow children's pool adjoining the main lap pool and the extensive communal recreation areas.

Instead of a single rooftop, Soleira delivers two distinct lifestyle zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=372547]

The southern rooftop has been dedicated to wellness, featuring a gym, yoga and Pilates studio, work-from-home facilities, a wellness centre, spa, and hot and cold plunge pools.

The northern rooftop focuses on recreation and entertaining, incorporating a heated resort-style pool, private dining rooms, pizza ovens, barbecues, a golf simulator, children's recreation areas, and what is expected to be the Gold Coast's first rooftop basketball court, which will also double as a squash court.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=374054]

Beyond the rooftops, Soleira will introduce 1,500 sqm of curated retail beneath the towers, creating one of Palm Beach's first genuinely mixed-use lifestyle precincts where cafés, restaurants and convenience retail become part of residents' everyday lives.

Sherpa has also retained management rights across the development, allowing it to oversee the long-term operation of the building through a 24-hour concierge model. The developer is also exploring additional revenue streams within the precinct aimed at helping offset ongoing body corporate costs for residents.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370962]

While Soleira is the largest project Sherpa has delivered, the rooftop-first philosophy has been evolving for several years.

It began with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/amargo-6-12-sixth-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Amargo</a>, the first project released under the Flourish brand. Rather than competing at the ultra-luxury end of the market with oversized half-floor and full-floor residences, Sherpa focused on creating lifestyle-driven apartments supported by resort-style shared spaces.

Amargo introduced more than 800 sqm of rooftop amenity, combining wellness facilities, heated pools, entertaining areas, cabanas, pizza ovens and private dining spaces into what was designed as an extension of residents' homes rather than a facility used only occasionally.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=146527 project_image_fid=366550]

That approach continued with Flourish Oasis, where the same amenity-led philosophy was refined into a more boutique development. Strong demand from Sherpa's growing VIP database saw much of the project sold before it reached the broader market, reinforcing buyer appetite for apartment communities centred around shared lifestyle experiences.

Flourish Amargo is slated for completion mid-way-through next year, with Oasis to be delivered by late 2027. Flourish Soleira is expected to complete in 2030.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa takes amenity to the sky as Flourish Soleira captures booming Palm Beach demand

As apartment living continues to evolve across Sydney's growth corridors, the quality and distribution of shared spaces is increasingly shaping how residents experience home. Rather than functioning as add-ons, amenities are being embedded into the daily rhythm of a building, supporting everything from quiet retreat to social interaction, often within a single vertical community.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/aeris-melrose-park-nursery-street-melrose-park-nsw-2114">Aeris</a> in Melrose Park, this approach is resolved through a layered amenity offering that unfolds from ground level through to its upper podium. Developed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/sekisui-house-australia">Sekisui House Australia</a> in partnership with Hankyu Hanshin Properties, the project introduces 468 apartments across two towers and a mid-rise building, positioned at the highest point of the broader masterplan.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=359199]

The amenity experience begins at street level, where two courtyards sit within a landscaped setting that connects residents to the wider network of parks and green spaces. These green spaces are not isolated pockets but part of a wider pedestrian network that links Aeris to the surrounding <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/melrose-park-nsw-2114">Melrose Park</a> precinct, including Central Park, future schools, and the Town Centre opening in July 2026. The result is a transition that moves from public to private without abrupt boundaries, allowing residents to pass through shaded, tree-lined environments before reaching the building itself.

Moving upward, the focus shifts to the level five podium, where the primary communal facilities are concentrated. This space brings together a 16-metre swimming pool, outdoor seating areas, and a communal BBQ zone arranged to take advantage of elevated outlooks. Seating is positioned beneath pergolas, creating pockets of shade that extend the usability of the space throughout the day. The pool edge aligns with views toward the wider district, reinforcing the sense of elevation that defines the project’s positioning.

In the adjacent building, this is complemented by quieter, more contemplative spaces, including an outdoor cinema set within the same level. Positioned to operate primarily in the evening, it introduces a different tempo to the shared environment, shifting from daytime activity to after-hours use without requiring separate zones.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360299]

The podium also accommodates an intimate private resident gym. Located on the lower levels, it gives residents convenient access to fitness facilities without leaving the building.

Above, the elevated podium sky deck extends the amenity offering, providing additional open-air spaces with elevated outlooks across the surrounding landscape. While more restrained in program, this upper level reinforces the project’s vertical progression, from ground-level greenery to elevated outlook, allowing residents to move between distinct spatial conditions within a single address.

This distribution of amenities reflects a deliberate response to how residents use space across the day. Sekisui House Australia Sales and Marketing Director Peter Kalaf points to the role these shared areas play in shaping buyer demand. Aeris has been conceived as more than a collection of apartments, with the podium pool, gym and outdoor cinema forming part of a broader lifestyle offering that extends the home beyond each individual residence.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=426 project_image_fid=360300]

What distinguishes Aeris is not the inclusion of these elements individually, but how they are arranged in relation to one another. Active, social, and passive spaces are layered vertically rather than separated, allowing residents to choose between them without leaving the building or moving far from their apartment. This proximity supports both routine use, such as a morning swim or evening workout, and more occasional gatherings, whether around the BBQ area or within the cinema setting.

The amenity design also sits within a broader framework of connectivity across Melrose Park. The Melrose Park Town Centre, anchored by Coles and Dan Murphys, features a mix of retail, dining, health and lifestyle offerings, bringing everyday convenience closer to residents. By the end of the year, more than five hectares of parks and open space, equivalent to around seven football fields of green space on residents' doorstep, will further enhance the precinct, allowing the internal facilities at Aeris to operate as an extension of the wider neighbourhood rather than a substitute for it.

Construction at Aeris continues to gather momentum, with ground floor slabs expected to be completed in late 2026 before the first sections of the buildings begin to rise above ground.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=426]

Elevated amenity anchors daily life at Aeris, Melrose Park

Retail

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DUO, the penultimate development at the $2 billion masterplanned Central Park precinct, has seen new retailers open their doors.
Adventure retailer Kathmandu join Starbucks, Best Bite Convenience and donut shop Cross Lane have opened up on the Broadway retail and restaurant streetscape.
The new DUO retailers will be joined in coming weeks by Fika, a new concept from the team behind innovative café florist Cuppa Flower, as well as new eateries Fire and Coal and Talay’sThai, to add futher spice to the dining mix.
In all, DUO features nine ground floor tenancies with extensive frontage to Broadway.
Kathmandu’s major new store covers a dual tenancy.
One tenancy remains available for lease.
DUO completes the Broadway frontage at Central Park where Woolworths supermarket comes with amenities like Palace Central cinemas.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/21/Wonderland_Chippendale%20Green%20during%20sunset.jpg" alt="">
A final opportunity for retailers to set up shop at Central Park was recently released in the Wonderland building, with four boutique tenancies ranging between 57 square metres and 193 square metres suitable for casual dining, restaurant, bar, food and beverage, and service uses.
Wonderland is well-connected between Regent Street, Broadway and Kensington Street.
When complete, Central Park will include 2,200 apartments, 869 student dwellings, three hotels and approximately 25,000 square metres of hospitality space.
About 5,300 people will call Central Park home and around 1,750 people will work there.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

New shops open their doors at DUO, Central Park

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Prahran’s popular retail pocket of Greville Street will become home to the newest Pizza Hub.
Fitzroys' agent James Spencer negotiated the five-year deal with a five-year option for Shop 2, 96-102 Greville Street.
It was at $60,000 per annum net on behalf of a local private investor.
Spencer said Pizza Hub will be run by chefs focusing on traditional pizza.
The hospitality group have a handful of sites around Melbourne, and although Greville Street will accommodate 20 people within the restaurant, takeaway convenience is set to play a big part in their business.
“Melbourne’s strips have seen a growing proportion of shops being used for food and beverage use, with the introduction of a number of new cafés, bars and restaurants,” Spencer said.
“Delivery services such as Uber Eats, Menulog and Deliveroo are representing a larger percentage of food and beverage turnover.”
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New pizza restaurant coming to Greville Street, Prahran

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Australia's changing consumer spending patterns, over both time and across age groups, are changing the face of the country's retail sector, says new research. 
BIS Oxford Economics’ Retail Property Market report shows that Australians are buying fewer ‘things’ and, increasingly, consumers are not buying them from traditional shops.
These trends present a formidable challenge to retailers and shopping centre owners and developers, it says. 
Together with the cyclically weak retail environment and it threatens retailer survival and shopping centre income returns, says report author, Senior Project Manager Maria Lee.
“There's another key threat to retail property returns, and that that’s the risk of softening investment yields,” she says.
“The share of household expenditure on clothing and footwear has more than halved since 1984, from 6.5% to 3.1%.
“Not only that, but the dollar amount spent actually fell between the 2009–10 ABS Household Expenditure Survey and the 2015–16 survey.”
The report also points to the inexorable rise of online shopping. The online market share is currently around 8%, growing at over 15% per annum.
Lee points out that more mature online markets, such as the US and some European countries, are still seeing growth rates of around 15% even with much higher market shares than in Australia.
“It’s a real possibility that a growth rate of 15% per annum could be sustained for some time,” says Lee.
“If so, this would result in an online market share of 22% within 10 years.”
BIS Oxford Economics forecasts that shopping centre incomes will see muted growth over coming years in light of the above challenges.
A return to stronger economic conditions should bring with it a pick-up in consumer spending early next decade, but the company expects only modest retail turnover growth on average over the next 10 years.
As a result, shopping centre net income growth is forecast to stay only just ahead of inflation.
“And there are probably more downside than upside risks to that forecast,” cautions Lee.
BIS Oxford Economics expects increases in bond rates over the next few years to pose a key risk to shopping centre yields.
“We’re not forecasting a great degree of softening in investment yields but, even so, we forecast five year IRRs for regional centres of just 5.5%," says Lee.
“That suggests that they are currently overvalued relative to hurdle rates of return.”
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Changing customer behaviour a formidable challenge to retailers: BIS Oxford Economics

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A Double Bay retail property has just been leased to Kristin Fisher, self acclaimed as the 'leading eyebrow expert in Sydney'.
It is positioned in the heart of Double Bay’s new business and entertainment precinct, 
It was listed by Allan Levy and Zorick Toltsan from Metro Commercial. 
Located at 16-18 Bay Street, the 227 square metre property offered 12 metres of frontage, one car space and storage.
Other features include designer finishes, marble floors and fit out. 
It is within walking distance to the public transport including Double Bay Ferry Wharf and Edgecliff Train Station. 
The business joins the likes of Carla Zampatti, Matteo, Domain Auction House, F45, Mrs Sippy and the soon to be revamped Royal Oak Hotel.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/8/8/double%20bay%202.jpg" alt=""> 
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Kristin Fisher leases in Double Bay's new retail precinct

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Up Property's iconic Morris Moor development will soon be home to CLIK Collective.
It will be the only co-warehousing and co-working space designed around the needs of ecommerce businesses in Melbourne, with the 6,000 sqm space set to meet the specific needs and growth of local online retailers.
Formerly known as Kensington Collective, CLIK Collective developed the co-warehousing concept after identifying co-working spaces for ecommerce retailers, that also included tailored warehousing spaces, loading bays, photography studios and showroom facilities, did not exist.
With over 80,000 ecommerce business in Australia, CLIK Collective Founder and Director Harry Kempler, explains that it was the well-connected location and planned surrounding onsite amenities that drove them to choose Morris Moor as the new location for their co-warehousing space.
CLIK Collective plans to provide purpose-built spaces, facilities and services for ecommerce businesses based in Melbourne's South East, assisting in the development of more than 60 new innovative businesses for the Moorabbin community.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2018/7/31/Up%20Property_Click%20Collective%20Morris%20Moor%20Render%202.jpeg" alt="">
"Collaborative economies are making their way into the logistics industry by offering unique and clever solutions that are both efficient and environmentally responsive. We're passionate about small businesses and coworking environments and look forward to supporting local online retailers on a large scale and for the opportunities Morris Moor will bring to the local community," Kempler added.
Opening in September, CLIK Collective Moorabbin will offer a range of individually secure warehouse spaces from 12 sqm through to 300 sqm.
The business is one of four already confirmed for Morris Moor, which Up Property has revealed will see the transformation of the 60-year-old Philip Morris manufacturing site.
Up Property Managing Director, Adam Davidson, explains that they are excited to welcome CLIK Collective who are bringing the unique co-warehousing concept to Morris Moor.=
Construction began this month on Morris Moor's office building, located at the corner of Chesterville and Cochranes Road. Boasting 5,257 square metres of office space across two levels, the building has the potential to house up to six tenants ranging from approximately 250 sqm to the whole building.
Up Property have secured their first commitment within the office space.
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A new take on co-working: co-warehousing comes to Moorabbin's Morris Moor

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GUEST OBSERVATION
Many predictions about the “future of retailing” have been made. These range from the supposed dominance of certain technologies, to increased use of data and analytics, the rising need for personalisation and customisation, and the transformation of physical spaces.
The challenge with specific predictions is that these are susceptible to becoming obsolete fast. Future technologies are likely to make the current cutting-edge redundant, and the methods by which customers can customise products are likely to look very different in the future.
However, when you take a step back, some common themes emerge from these predictions, such as convenience, customer experience, business intelligence, and personalisation. It’s these themes that will really shape the future of retail.
Many specific predictions about the use of new technologies, for example, link back to the notion of providing convenience to shoppers, or learning more about customers.
Predictions relating to the rising use of data and analytics are about becoming more intelligent in interactions with customers.
While the specifics of each theme may change, their impact is likely to stay. For example, convenience in the future may relate to payment technologies, store opening hours, or other as yet unknown methods. Whatever the case, the drive for convenience is likely to persist.
While some themes are easily identified, others are less obvious; including fragmentation, flexibility, and transparency.
Fragmentation
At a population level, PWC describes fragmentation as the widening gap between the “haves” and the “have nots” and the impact this has had on consumer behaviour. Similar fragmentation is driving the future of the retail industry in a number of ways.
A common prediction is that retail space (including stores and centres) will become smaller. Yet some retailers are opening new flagship stores and some already large centres have been expanded.
Fragmentation is also occurring at the retail level. Mega-retailers like Amazon and Alibaba are holding strong positions in many markets. At the same time small, niche and independent retailers are gaining exposure through outlets such as Etsy and 100 Squared.
The major question arising from this theme is what will happen to the middle? Already department stores like Myer have struggled to find a place. They lack the range and scope of the largest retailers, but don’t have the independence and flexibility of niche operators.
Flexibility
Flexibility is about retailers adapting to changing trends and consumer demands. This is clearly seen in current trends and future predictions related to personalisation and customisation.
Allowing customers to customise products requires flexibility to adapt product or service offerings. At the same time, more flexibility is expected with physical spaces.
Traditional large store footprints are giving way to small and flexible showrooms. A new format of “super-neighbourhood” shopping centre is expected to focus on flexibility for local communities.
This theme has interesting implications for the future. How can stores and shopping centres be designed and managed to provide flexibility? How will the need for flexibility impact the already challenging relationships between retail tenants and landlords?
Finally, how far can flexibility in product and service design really go? Will retailers of the future be able to let consumers design anything they want with no boundaries?
Transparency
The idea of transparency has gained a lot of attention with discussions about Facebook and Cambridge Analytica. However, a similar theme is impacting retail.
Consumers have unprecedented access to information about stores, brands and products through online channels, mobile devices and consumer-to-consumer sharing.
This challenges retailers to be transparent and honest with product or service offerings, as misrepresentations are easily identified.
How can retailers best manage the need for transparency while still maintaining a competitive advantage? Alternatively, should retailers and shopping centres look to discourage consumer information-gathering? Or can transparency be leveraged to create mutual benefit for consumers and retailers?
What next?
Australian retailers have had a tough time in recent years. Online shopping is growing steadily and major international companies like Costco are also expanding.
This has turned retail into a global competition.
No-one really knows what the future will hold, as confident as some predictions may sound. However, considering the underlying drivers of current trends, as well as future predictions, there are some key factors to consider. The real value comes not from focusing on only one driver, or the latest buzz trend.
It is important to consider how these multiple trends overlap. For example, providing more flexible services might help satisfy the need for greater customer experience, as well as convenience. Alternatively, greater transparency might help cope with the fragmentation of the industry.
<img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/100518/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1">The challenge for the retail industry is to develop specific strategies for the future based on these driving forces.
Jason Pallant, Lecturer of Marketing, Swinburne University of Technology
This article was originally published on The Conversation. 
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The factors driving the future of retail: Jason Pallant

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Flinders chocolatiers Milton Laycock and Isilda Caldwell are selling their home and business premises in the Mornington Pensinsula town’s main street.
The <a href="https://www.domain.com.au/45-45b-cook-street-flinders-vic-3929-2014484660" target="_blank">45-45b Cook Street</a>, Flinders holding has a price guide of $3.15 million.
The property includes a commercial kitchen and twin showrooms in the business dwelling and a contemporary three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence at the rear of the block. 
The living spaces include a fireplace and a black and white island kitchen with Miele appliances, and there are decks front and back for outdoor entertaining.
 Domenic Zanellini of Nicholson Real Estate has the listing.
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Flinders chocolatiers list Main Street business premises

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Designer Collette Dinnigan has sold her first ever Sydney store to a local owner-occupier who bought the 74-square-metre terrace as an office.
The property sold for nearly $23,000 a square metre in terms of land rate. 
About 100 groups enquired about the property and 14 made inspections.
It was 1992 when, in her mid-20s living above the shop, she moved into the William Street, Paddington premises.
She launched her lingerie collection which was soon being exported to the likes of Barneys New York and Harvey Nichols in London.
Dinnigan <a href="/expert-insights/investing/fashion-designer-collette-dinnigan-to-sell-flagship-paddo-store">bought the boutique space for $625,000 in 1998</a>, vacating it when she relocated to Queen Street, which closed in 2014 as she sought new adventures outside of the fashion world in property with her husband Bradley Cocks.
Dinnigan's shop had a $1,625,000 guide for its forthcoming July 7 auction <a href="https://www.bresicwhitney.com.au/buy/33-william-street-paddington-19087" target="_blank">through BresicWhitney agent Ivan Bresic</a>.
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<div>"Yes it is a very emotional decision and certainly marks the end of an era," Dinnigan said.</div>
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<div>"William Street was good to me and gave me the exposure I needed in the Australian market to build my brand.</div>
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<div>“It’s such a fantastic area for local artisans and up-and-coming designers and bespoke retailers.</div>
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<div>"I still drive in from the Southern Highlands and make Alimentari (the continental deli) at the bottom of William Street my first stop!</div>
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 "Interiors and home is what excites me at the moment and I am having lots of fun doing projects in both Australia and Italy.</div>
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<div>"Although it’s taking a little longer than anticipated Bradley and I hope to launch 'Dinnigan Cocks — Bespoke Homes' later in the year."</div>
Since she departed the 33 William Street space, the store's occupants have included Bailey Nelson.
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The fashion street's most recent arrival was fashion designer Jasmine Yarborough, the fiancé of breakfast television co-host Karl Stefanovic.
Yarborough rents a space at 76 William Street for her Mara &amp; Mine collection which she launched with best friend Tamara Ingham.
The shop they rent has been a long-term investment for the owners, who have held the shop since 1992.
There have been several recent sales including an original mixed-use Victorian terrace at 70 William Street for $1.55 million. It had a $1.4 million buyers guide.
Another commercial space at 80 William Street fetched $1.9 million, up on its $1.7 million trade in 2016.
Dinnigan's main focus now is on launching Bespoke Homes, the luxury rental platform she's developing with her husband, hotel and tourism entrepreneur Bradley Cocks.
They've already gathered a number of properties, including a <a href="/news/colette-dinnigan-secures-400-year-old-puglia-italy-farmhouse">400 year old farmhouse in Italy.</a>
There's a <a href="/news/fashion-designer-collette-dinnigan-buys-near-batemans-bay">doer-upper near Batemans Bay</a>, a Darling Point terrace and a <a href="/news/fashion-designer-collette-dinnigan-buys-in-paddington-again">property in Paddo.</a>
Dinnigan has sought to offload her <a href="/expert-insights/investing/collette-dinnigan-looks-to-sell-surry-hills-hq-to-oneil-family">long-held Surry Hills office space.</a>
 
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Collette Dinnigan's first ever shop in Paddington sold

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A super-prime trophy investment in Ivanhoe’s tightly-held Upper Heidelberg Road has sold under the hammer for $5.225 million.
The highest price paid for a retail freehold in the busy shopping strip.
Fitzroys senior manager Chris James and director Chris Kombi sold the property at <a href="https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/property/137-139-upper-heidelberg-road-ivanhoe-vic-3079-2014360180" target="_blank">137-139 Upper Heidelberg Road</a>, which was offered to the market for the first time in 60 years.
The iconic two-storey building of 505 sqm comprises two shops and a first-floor gym on a 263 sqm site, with a wide frontage of around 13.33 metres.
James said the strong enquiry throughout the campaign led to fierce competition between six bidders at auction, and the sale price reflecting an exceptional land rate of $20,000 per sqm and tight 4.1% yield.
“The record result demonstrated the pent-up demand to acquire commercial property in this tightly-held market,” he said.
The ground level retail spaces have new five-year leases to longstanding tenants Romano’s Restaurant and French-style Laurent Bakery, and a five-year deal to first-floor tenant Vision Personal Training.
Zoned Commercial 1, the property is located just metres from the entrance of Ivanhoe Plaza.
Kombi said the offering presented a rare opportunity to secure an iconic Ivanhoe property with an excellent tenant profile and significant passing income.
“The property is brilliantly positioned on Upper Heidelberg Road and abutting Ivanhoe Plaza, and is home to key traders that, combined with national tenants including Woolworths and major trading banks along with popular local businesses, give the thriving Upper Heidelberg retail strip a unique village-style quality,” he said.
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According to Fitzroys research, Upper Heidelberg Road currently features less than 1% retail vacancy, which Kombi said is a further testament to the strength of the strip.
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Super-prime trophy investment sets Ivanhoe record

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The Melbourne-based Smorgon family have listed their retail holding on the Queen Street Mall in Brisbane.
It has been dubbed Brisbane's best retail corner.
The property reportedly could fetch up to $100 million. There was a fully leased net income of $4.46 million per annum.
The Smorgon family have owned the property for 27 years.
It recently signed McDonalds for a 10-year lease with two 10-year options, becoming the biggest McDonalds in the southern hemisphere.
Norman Smorgon and his wife, Tania, are the key Smorgon family members in the holding company Vesco Nominees.
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The 3771 square metre property includes the 853sq m McDonald's as well as an 801sq m Showgirls, plus fashion store Forever New and UGG Shop, a Money Exchange, Gellatissimo and a Suncorp bank.
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