What Makes a High-Performing Retail Location in Perth?

As a city that’s steadily growing and evolving, Perth offers many options to lease or purchase retail space, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices available. While every opportunity might seem exciting on paper, not every space will be the right fit for your business or your long-term goals.

While factors like size, price, and amenities are important, location often plays an even greater role in the success of a retail business. A well-chosen site not only supports day-to-day operations—it connects you with your customers in a meaningful way. 

To help guide your decision, we’ve outlined some key considerations that can influence the performance of your retail location and should be considered when choosing the right place for your business. 

Foot traffic & Accessibility  

When it comes to choosing the right retail location, foot traffic is one of the most important factors to consider. A space that sees regular movement of people—whether they’re commuting, shopping, dining or simply passing through—offers a built-in opportunity to attract new customers. 

Retail spaces near popular destinations—such as universities, shopping centres, cafés, restaurants, or cultural landmarks like museums and galleries—tend to benefit from built-in familiarity and visibility. These locations often become part of people’s regular routines, making it more likely they’ll step through your doors.

Accessibility is just as critical. A highly visible spot that’s difficult to get to can quickly become a barrier for visitors. Consider whether your location is easily reached by Perth’s most popular modes of transport—be it by train, bus, or car. Having nearby parking, a convenient bus stop, or a train station within walking distance makes it easier for people to visit your business, and easier visits often lead to return visits.

Demographics & Alignment  

Being in a high-profile, well-visited area can give your business visibility—but visibility alone doesn’t guarantee connection. To truly attract and retain customers, your retail offering needs to resonate with the people who spend time in the area.

Before committing to a location, take time to understand who the current shoppers are. Who are they? Where are they from? What are their needs, preferences, and lifestyles? Consider the local demographics and psychographics factors such as age, income, daily routines, and buying habits. 

By understanding the needs and preferences of the community, you’ll be able to determine whether your products or services are likely to meet the expectations of the local audience.

When there’s a clear alignment between what your business offers and what the community is looking for, your chances of converting casual visitors into loyal customers increase significantly. If the fit feels natural, and your offering adds value to the local way of life, then you may have found a location where your business can not only succeed, but become a part of the neighbourhood fabric.

Competition & Synergies 

While competition can sometimes feel like a challenge, in the right context, it can actually work to your advantage. A moderate level of it can signal strong local demand and even lend credibility to your business (especially if customers are already visiting the area to explore similar offerings). When there’s choice, there’s convenience, and that can be a powerful drawcard for shoppers.

That said, balance is key. An area that’s oversaturated with too many of the same type of business can quickly become crowded, making it harder for individual retailers to stand out or grow sustainably. Therefore, it is important to understand the competitive landscape prior to settling to make sure your brand complements rather than competes too closely with what’s already there.

Equally important is business synergy. Think cafés next to bookshops, florists beside gift stores, or medical clinics near pharmacies. These kinds of complementary offerings create a richer, more convenient experience for visitors. Customers are more likely to return to locations where they can find multiple solutions in one place, saving them time and supporting their lifestyle. 

When businesses work in harmony, it enhances the value of the precinct and encourages people to stay longer, visit more often, and return regularly. Ultimately, being part of a well-curated retail mix isn’t just good for business—it’s good for the community.

Growth & Future Development 

When selecting a retail location, it’s not just about where the market is today—but where it’s heading. Choosing a space in an area with strong growth potential helps future-proof your business and gives you the best chance to thrive over time.

In recent years, Perth’s retail sector has consistently outperformed other commercial segments, with strong gains in both property values and investor confidence. For example, by March 2025, the sale price per square metre had grown by an impressive 23.8%—a clear sign of momentum in the market.

This confidence in the market is translating into significant investment and thoughtful development across Perth—transforming smaller neighbourhood precincts into thriving hubs of local life. A great example of this is the revitalisation of our Duncraig Precinct, where recent openings like Loops Pilates and Rocky Ridge Brewery have brought new energy and a renewed sense of community connection.

On a broader scale, the retail sector is outperforming industrial real estate nationally—driven in part by constrained new supply and growing consumer demand.

Perth’s steady population and employment growth only reinforces the outlook. As communities expand and local economies strengthen, the need for well-located, community-connected retail continues to rise—making now a strong time to plan your next move.

Practical Infrastructure & Local Conditions

The everyday functionality of a retail space plays a vital role in its long-term success. Elements like parking availability, signage visibility, delivery access, and zoning regulations will impact how popular the area will be and, therefore, how successful your business will be. Features like outdoor seating, secure storage, or proximity to shared amenities can also enhance the overall customer experience. By choosing a location with well-considered infrastructure and supportive local conditions, you’re setting your business up for a more seamless and sustainable future.

Hawaiian Retail Services and Opportunities

At Hawaiian, our precincts and shopping centres are more than just retail spaces; they’re destinations that bring the communities together. 

With over 11 neighbourhood centres across Perth, including cherished locales like Hawaiian’s Bassendean, Mezz in Mount Hawthorn, Newpark, and Park Centre, our spaces are thoughtfully curated to reflect the heart and character of each suburb.

At Hawaiian, we invest in people and placemaking. Whether it’s introducing new tenants that add energy to the hub, programming events that bring the local community together, or ensuring our spaces are always offering the best experience possible to both tenants and visitors,  we create and maintain places where relationships flourish and businesses thrive. 

With over 30 years of commitment to enriching lives through places and experiences, we’re here to help you find a community where your retail business can grow, connect, and become a meaningful part of neighbourhood life.

Enquire now.