Retail in Asia

In Shops

Pop up shops in undersupply despite image makeover

The demand for pop-up stores in Australia has never been so high, but landlords are content to hold out for long-term tenancies.

Those entering the pop-up game range from multinationals to online retailers. Huawei has opened up temporary, 12-month "experimental zones" in five Westfield shopping centres so customers can try out its mobile products; group-buying site Groupon had a click-and-collect, retail pop-up in Surry Hills before Christmas.

CBRE’s Zelman Ainsworth said hopeful tenants knocked on his door nearly every day looking for a short-term arrangement, but supply has not caught up, at least in Melbourne’s inner city.