Are you part of Brisbane’s missing 20 per cent? How much foot traffic has dropped

The pedestrian traffic data from Queensland’s capital city reveals a disturbing trend: the heart of Brisbane’s shopping district, Queen Street Mall, is losing its vitality. Since the pandemic, there has been a 20% drop in foot traffic, with an average of 60,000 fewer people walking through the mall each day.

This decline is not just a local issue; it’s a symptom of a broader shift in global urban dynamics. As Gary Mortimer, a professor of consumer behaviour and retail marketing at QUT, notes, working from home or hybrid working has contributed significantly to this decline.

Retailers in the mall are struggling to adapt to unpredictable patterns of consumer behavior. Fridays, once the busiest day in Queen Street Mall, have lost their crown, replaced by an irregular mix of weekdays with no single day standing out as the busiest. Michael Makras, owner of Italian cafe Marchetti, observes, “Friday used to be the biggest day for us, undoubtedly. But post-COVID, there is no pattern.”

The closure of major retailers like Myer has further accelerated this decline, creating a five-level retail void in the heart of the city. The Queen Street Mall’s adjacent arcades, once bustling with shoppers, now stand as testament to changing consumer preferences.

While Brisbane’s CBD office market performs relatively well compared to other major cities, office vacancy rates remain high – 17.5% in February – reflecting broader retail trends where consumers increasingly opt for suburban shopping centers over city-based malls.

This shift towards hybrid working and de-emphasized traditional CBD shopping patterns has significant implications for urban planning and development strategies. As Brisbane’s planners look to revive its struggling commercial heart, they must confront these changing realities head-on.

One possible solution lies in embracing the niche, experiential retail offerings that are thriving in areas like James Street in New Farm. Michael Makras notes, “The business in James Street was growing faster than the one in the city.” This shift towards curated shopping experiences speaks to a desire for uniqueness and authenticity – something many traditional malls struggle to provide.

In Brisbane’s case, a reimagined Queen Street Mall could learn from the success of its smaller, more bespoke counterparts. By fostering an environment that celebrates local craftsmanship and unique retail offerings, the city might just rediscover its lost rhythm.

The next move for planners will be crucial in determining the future of Brisbane’s CBD. Will they choose to stick with outdated models or adapt to these seismic shifts in consumer behavior? Only time – and careful planning – will tell.

As Brisbane continues on this path towards rebirth, one thing is clear: the city must find new ways to entice shoppers back into its once-thriving heart. The data may be daunting, but it also presents an opportunity for innovation and growth. Whether the city seizes it remains to be seen.