Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

Not all doom and gloom for retail

  • Written by David Krolikowski

 

"Retail not beyond saving – but the blame game needs to stop"

 
 
With retail groups copping a battering during the February reporting season, a Melbourne commercial property expert says that there is a future for bricks and mortar retail – but only if tenants and landlords commit to work together.

David Krolikowski, of Melbourne’s KHQ Lawyers, said that despite the increasing threat of online retail and changing consumer habits, landlords and tenants needed to embrace the idea of collaboration and share the burden of increasing costs for a successful future.

He also suggested that bricks and mortar retailers needed to change the way they sell in order to offer a distinct point of difference and keep customers coming back.

Amazon’s arrival in December led to analysts forecasting retail doom and gloom, while many large retail groups are feeling the pressure as they deliver half year results,” Krolikowski said.

“Landlords and tenants need to accept the reality however and tackle the online challenge head-on to keep physical retail operating successfully.”

“Overall, those invested in bricks and mortar property (shopping centre and shopping strip owners and their tenants) need to work together to confront the changing face of retail –that is primarily online alternatives, but also by pop-up shops, and a community that is increasing connected both with international suppliers and each other.”

“Landlords who expect that tenants will absorb all increases in outgoings while maintaining or increasing base rents are killing their golden goose, so to speak, so they need to reset their expectations, with an eye on market changes, rather than simply seeking year on year growth.”

“In the current environment it’s not realistic for landlords to simply forecast increased revenue year on year. But when that expectation is imposed upon their staff in the form of KPIs, it can be very difficult for a leasing executive to take a softer stance, without being seen to have failed.”

“Then there is a tendency to blame the other party.  Tenants who continue to do retail the same old way and expect to obtain the same returns are kidding themselves when they blame landlords solely for their woes.”

“The challenge for businesses is to do it better – be active in marketing programs, take advantage of opportunities to advertise, and experiment with things like temporary attractions, or taking on space near competitors to maximise ‘critical mass’ foot traffic.”

“Likewise, landlords that expect that their only role is to provide a physical location for tenants to occupy, consider it’s up to the tenant to do the rest, will find themselves with increased vacancies.”

‘Offering something that isn’t available anywhere else, or by providing another reason for shoppers to visit – like cafes and food outlets should all be a part of forward thinking, and again that is something that needs to collaborative.”

“It’s nothing new, but it’s not that common either.”

Krolikowski added that retail tenants operating in traditional retail sectors also needed to consider that as times are changing, they might be squeezed out by the next phase of retail tenants – such as health services, personal services, food & beverage, even car manufacturers.

“At the end of the day, retail still has a future – it simply needs to adapt, and that goes for both landlords and business tenants”, Krolikowski said.


 

"The challenge for businesses is to do it better"

 

Business

Beyond Clicks and Likes: Why Many Small Businesses in Australia Still Aren’t Leveraging Digital Marketing in 2025

Introduction In 2025, online marketing has become the driving force behind business growth for companies of all sizes. Yet, despite its proven effectiveness, a surprising number of small businesses in Australia...

Eco-smart Car Removal in Sydney: Practical Steps That Cut Waste and Return Value

Sydney’s ageing cars add up to a serious waste stream, and choosing the right removal service makes a measurable difference. Your decision sends metal, glass, tyres, fluids, and batteries down...

Measuring the Success of Your Bus Advertising Campaign

Bus ads turn everyday travel into high-reach media. They move through busy corridors, sit in traffic where people can read them, and keep working after the office lights go out...

Powering Shepparton’s Businesses: Expert Commercial Electrical Services You Can Count On

When it comes to running a successful business, having reliable, compliant, and efficient electrical systems is non-negotiable. From small retail outlets to large-scale industrial operations, every commercial facility depends on...

The Smart Way to Grow Online: SEO Management Sydney Businesses Can Rely On

If you’re a Sydney-based business owner, you already know the digital space is crowded. But with the right strategy, you don’t need to shout the loudest — you just need...

Building a Governance Model for Headless Content Management at Scale

Image by pch.vector on Freepik There's never been a better time to implement a headless content management system (CMS) to gain the flexibility and scalability necessary for developing digital experiences...

Best Nail Care Routine for Frequent Nail Polish Wearers

For many people, nail polish is more than a beauty statement – it’s part of their everyday routine. Whether you love bold colours, chic neutrals...

Reinventing Research: How E-Libraries Are Changing Education Forever

A New Chapter for Learning For centuries libraries stood as temples of knowledge filled with shelves that smelled of dust and paper. Today the same...

Psychologists Explore Gestalt Vs Schema Therapy for PTSD Treatment

Recent research has revealed that in 2022, 1 in 9 Australians experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some, this can significantly im...

Beyond Sunscreen: Building a Sun-Smart Culture in Modern Australia

Australia’s sun-soaked lifestyle is a defining part of its national identity. From beaches and sports fields to weekend barbecues and bushwalks, t...

What is Power BI & Why Should Your Business Use It?

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly searching for ways to gain a competitive edge. One tool that has emerged as a game-changer i...

From Service to Strength: How Aussie Veterans Are Rebuilding Their Lives with Everyday Support

Life after military service can bring new challenges. From physical limitations to mental health hurdles, many Australian veterans find everyday hou...

The Best Times of Year to Buy a Caravan

If you're shopping for caravans for sale, timing matters almost as much as the layout and features you desire. The calendar shapes price, stock and ...

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation i...

Beyond Clicks and Likes: Why Many Small Businesses in Australia Still Aren’t Leveraging Digital Marketing in 2025

Introduction In 2025, online marketing has become the driving force behind business growth for companies of all sizes. Yet, despite its proven effect...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, ...

Private Booze Cruisers – The New Must-Have Toy for Cashed Up Millennials

Did you hear that your 30s are the new 20s? We’ve finally rocked up that adult money and now it’s time to play with it. I was going for a walk ...

Grinding & Jaw Soreness: Signs You Might Need Night Guards and How We Protect Enamel

Waking with a tight jaw, tender muscles, or a dull temple headache is more than a bad night’s sleep. Many Australians grind or clench their teeth ...

Circular Interior Design: Furnishing with Salvaged & Reclaimed Materials

Circular interior design is gradually making its way from niche circles into mainstream Australian homes. At its core, this approach revolves around...

Invisible Braces vs Traditional Braces: Which Is Best for Adults?

Straightening teeth as an adult is common in Australia, and the options are better than ever. The two main choices are clear aligners, also called i...

Smoking, Vaping, and Healing: How Nicotine Affects Sockets and What you can do About it

Nicotine and oral surgery are a poor mix. After an wisdom teeth removal in Sydney, your body needs a stable blood clot and steady blood flow to rebu...

Titanium and Bone: How Dental Implants Become Part of the Jaw

Dental implants replace missing teeth by anchoring a metal fixture in the jaw and fitting a crown on top. Their success rests on a biological event ...

Do Wisdom Teeth Really Make You Wiser? Debunking Old Beliefs

Wisdom teeth are among the most discussed teeth in dentistry, not because of their function but because of the myths that surround them. The name it...

How Long Do Dental Implants Really Last? The Facts Dentists Won’t Skip

Australians often ask one simple question before green-lighting treatment: how long will a dental implant actually last? The short answer is that th...