Over the past few weeks the Australian media has been following closely over the past weeks the push from
prominent goods retailers to lobby the government to ban tax-free online
shopping in Australia, which has seen a significant public backlash against the
retailers.
prominent goods retailers to lobby the government to ban tax-free online
shopping in Australia, which has seen a significant public backlash against the
retailers.
This
week, Westfield announced the launch of a new ‘virtual mall’, grouping
its “bricks and mortar” tenants into a one-stop website, where
customers can purchase goods and services from any of the stores within the
Westfield complexes.
week, Westfield announced the launch of a new ‘virtual mall’, grouping
its “bricks and mortar” tenants into a one-stop website, where
customers can purchase goods and services from any of the stores within the
Westfield complexes.
As
online shopping habits increase, seeing 83% of Australians beginning to
substitute some form of online shopping for the retail experience, we may see over time an impact on parking demand due to decreased numbers of customers physically traveling to the shops.
online shopping habits increase, seeing 83% of Australians beginning to
substitute some form of online shopping for the retail experience, we may see over time an impact on parking demand due to decreased numbers of customers physically traveling to the shops.
As
shopping and consumption habits are affected by online alternatives, the role of
the retail centres will need to remain relevant and responsive to consumer
needs; and, as a result, continue to drive strong demand for their services and
goods (including parking!). With the
introduction of technologies such as Parking Guidance Systems, retailers
and operators have already made a first step in improving the parking and
retail experience for their customers (as well as aim to improve occupancy and turnover). They will constantly need to improve and
optimise their services as consumer preferences shift and technology advances.
shopping and consumption habits are affected by online alternatives, the role of
the retail centres will need to remain relevant and responsive to consumer
needs; and, as a result, continue to drive strong demand for their services and
goods (including parking!). With the
introduction of technologies such as Parking Guidance Systems, retailers
and operators have already made a first step in improving the parking and
retail experience for their customers (as well as aim to improve occupancy and turnover). They will constantly need to improve and
optimise their services as consumer preferences shift and technology advances.