Retail

COVID lessons – an opportunity for retail place strategy

If ever there has been a stand-out in the retail environment due to recent circumstances; by observation it can be viewed two-fold; a greater uptake in online retail, and the resilience of convenience-based bricks and mortar. This is not necessarily a reflection of the entire retail landscape but more an observation of two performers in retail that have the potential to drive innovation within developments moving into the future.

• Design
• Retail

A turning point for High Street?

The struggle is not yet over but the shifting consumer preference to shop local and support small business is a promising sign for many and certainly warrants a discussion on where our street shopping experience is going.

• Architecture
• Design
• Culture
• Retail

The rise and rise of mixed-use developments in the post-COVID economy

The lines between work and play are blurred as newer developments boast a diverse mix of residential, retail, commercial and entertainment spaces all in the one area. This new style of mixed-use design is increasingly being embraced for new developments across Australia, in the city centres and suburbs alike.

• Architecture
• Culture
• Design
• Retail
• COVID -19

Art isn’t likely something that comes to mind when you do your weekly food shop. But for shoppers at Mount Pleasant Woolworths in Western Australia, their supermarket looks a little more like an art gallery.

• Design
• Retail

How the Australian retail landscape has changed for good

As the country ends lockdown and stores begin to re-open, how will retail reshape itself amidst the possibility of ongoing social distancing requirements? What impact will this have on landlords when it comes to planning and managing space? And how will new developments adjust their plans to suit?

• Architecture
• Design
• Retail

Embracing collaboration in architecture

Amongst project delivery methods that have taken hold in architecture, collaboration is perhaps the most famous and beneficial one.

• Design
• Architecture
• Retail

Revitalising Perth’s city centre in time for post COVID-19 retail resurgence

After the COVID-19 isolation period passes, a revitalised city heart awaits Perth commuters, shoppers and diners.

• Architecture
• Retail
• Design
• COVID -19

Gender neutrality becoming bog standard

Gender neutrality is becoming a topic that is garnering a great deal of attention lately. And with inclusivity an important consideration in all modes of design, it’s worth celebrating the milestones when we reach them.

• Culture
• Design
• Retail

If we can trace the idea of a shopping centre as far back as the Roman Empire then it’s safe to imagine shopping centres will continue to exist in 2100. But what they might look like, that’s another question entirely.

• Technology and Innovation
• Retail
• Design
• Architecture

Small wonder

When it comes to designing retail and town centre projects, the grander the scheme, the more attention it inevitably gets. But it’s important to acknowledge the contribution of smaller, local developments and the unique challenges and delights they present.

• Retail
• Design
• Architecture

How Generation Alpha will shape the shopping centre of the future

Those in the industry have heard the same ‘hottest retail trends’ for a few years now; it’s all about experiences, niche offerings, personalisation, omni-channel, social media integration and the introduction of new technologies like virtual and augmented reality. But the truth is, these supposedly hot trends are dangerously close to becoming outdated.

• Retail
• Design
• Culture

A visual essay of Hames Sharley’s designs for the Adelaide’s iconic Rundle Mall Plaza

• Design
• Architecture
• Retail

Main street fever

​Built form controls alone don’t deliver vibrancy and good coffee…

• Architecture
• Master Planning
• Retail

Harnessing VR to attract retail tenants in a first for South Australia

Attracting retail tenants with virtual reality tours in South Australia.

• Architecture
• Technology and Innovation
• Retail

Holo… is it you we’re looking for?

Will touchable holograms signal the next evolution in retail? Virtual reality and augmented reality have limitless applications. They are common knowledge these days and commonly used. But what if you could showcase your product in a manner different from both of these methods – one that has not been seen before?

• Architecture
• Retail
• Technology and Innovation

The Amazon Tax

News has broken that Amazon will no longer allow Australian shoppers access to its US website.

• Retail
• Technology and Innovation

A view from inside Adelaide’s Rundle Mall Plaza

Managing Director, Caillin Howard met with BrandSA this month to discuss the latest developments on one of Hames Sharley’s most exciting current projects; Adelaide’s Rundle Mall Plaza.

• Architecture
• Retail

What Australia can learn from Asian retail, and vice versa

There is obviously a considerable difference in how Asian and Australian retail developments are shaped by the culture within which they sit, along with, at times, some surprising similarities. David McCarroll investigates…

• Retail
• Culture
• Architecture

Fad or future? The worth of Amazon Go

In light of the interest around America’s new Amazon Go store since its opening late last year, we consider what this could mean for the future of the retail experience…

• Retail
• Culture

Buying Power

How department stores played a vital role in the empowerment of women.

• Retail
• Architecture
• Diversity

Brick-and-mortar retail isn’t dead

In light of an online retail giant’s decision to open physical stores, Former Managing Director of Hames Sharley, Paul Drechsler looks to the past to discuss the new direction of the retail revolution.

• Retail
• Architecture
• Design

Disrupting the retail hierarchy – It’s always been about the people…

During the mid 20th-century Australian shopping centres were developed within a retail hierarchy that was based on modern suburban family life. Today people live in apartments in the city and inner urban areas and seek their daily needs and convenience goods and services in the city.

• Retail
• Design
• Architecture

​In the concluding part of his essay, David McCarroll looks at some of the reasons that consumers make their choices and why this will always keep the retail centre relevant.

• Retail
• Architecture
• Design
• Culture

Catalogues didn’t kill the shopping centre. The rise of online retail hasn’t seen the end of bricks and mortar. In a two-part observational piece, David McCarroll looks at the real problems facing retailers… complacency, and the struggle to remain relevant.

• Retail
• Architecture
• Design
• Culture

From the ‘Food Court’ to the ‘Foodie and Fun’ Café Court

We are a nation obsessed with food. We’re also getting more particular about it. We talk about whether it’s organic or home-grown, whether it’s slow cooked or triple smoked, whether it was inspired by Jamie or Bill. That’s right, Oliver and Grainger. We’re on a first name basis these days. What does this mean for the food court?

• Retail
• Design
• Architecture

Feel good shopping: How retail architecture and interior design can improve wellness

When was the last time you went to a beautifully designed building and felt drawn to your surroundings in a way that made you feel better? Because the space spoke to you, ushered in relief, engaged your senses, enhanced within you a sense of… wellness? We investigate ‘The Architecture of Happiness’...

• Wellbeing
• Interior Design
• Retail
• Architecture

The impact of a driverless society on retail

It’s coming at us faster than a speeding Bugatti Veyron – the era of the autonomous car - and when this technology finally arrives the impact to retail will be immense…

• Transport
• Retail
• Technology and Innovation
• Sustainability
• Design

Driving sales

Imagine this: you walk into your local retail centre, aiming to pick-out an evening gown and shoes, grab a quick chef-prepared meal for lunch, and organise your grocery drop-off to your house. Then, out of the corner of your eye, you spot the plush lounge of a major auto brand…

• Transport
• Technology and Innovation
• Retail
• Culture

Attack of the $350 Billion Retailer…

It’s coming… a giant of the retail industry, dwarfing its competitors as it strides into view, trampling traditional Australian shopping culture into the dust, and smashing any who stand in its way. But how on earth can you compete with a well-drilled organisation that has indomitable global brand recognition, a reliable reputation and, let’s face it, better prices? By changing the rules…

• Retail
• Technology and Innovation