How to save Melbourne’s already embattled shopping strips

There are fears Melbourne’s already embattled shopping strips will only struggle further due to the impacts of COVID-19.

More than a quarter of all retail stores on Bridge Road in Richmond are currently vacant.

Richard Jenkins, co-founder and Director of Plan1 Project Management and Consultancy, told Tom Elliott shoppers were already changing their habits pre-pandemic.

“The pandemic has probably accelerated some of those trends,” he said.

But he’s also optimistic.

“I do think that the pandemic actually may trigger a rebirth as people become more familiar with their local neighbourhood shopping strip,” he said.

Click PLAY below to hear more on 3AW

Picture by Getty iStock