The story behind some of Australia's top boutique shopping strips
Many shoppers prefer the quaint, laid-back style of boutique shopping as opposed to the less personalised large-scale style of shopping malls or online scrolling. Wandering down the street with a coffee in hand and into an architecturally designed store with a well-curated collection of clothing is an experience for many, and lucky for us, Australia boasts several beautiful shopping strips that have established themselves over time into what they are today.
From Surry Hills in Sydney to Armadale in Melbourne, and Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, these precincts carry layers of history that give them their unique identities and draw in shoppers from across the globe.
For commercial property owners, these shopping strips represent some of the country’s most resilient investment opportunities and proof that the right mix of history and vision can create retail precincts that stand the test of time.
Crown Street, Surry Hills
For decades, Crown Street in Surry Hills was the heart of Sydney’s rag trade, populated by textile wholesalers, fashion houses, and small workshops. It was commonplace to find strips of discarded fabric and old zippers dotting the streets.
Surry Hills began its gentrification in the late 20th century, and Crown Street evolved with it. Cafes and independent boutiques began filling the terraces that once housed the tailors and seamstresses, and by the early 2000s, the suburb was synonymous with Sydney’s creative scene.
Today, Crown Street retains that creative spirit while boasting more refined boutiques and eateries. Designer retailers like The Standard Store are located alongside neighbourhood wine bars, and globally recognised dining institutions like Bills. For commercial investors, listings here are less about transient retail and more about tapping into an enduring cultural precinct that attracts locals and tourists alike.
Felice Cotroneo, who is the director of Inner City, currently represents 1/509-511 Crown Street and said it’s rare for commercial listings to come up on the infamous shopping strip.
“Listings are tightly held investments due to stable income and returns and rarely are available to the market. For example, this listings is a restaurant and has been on a lease since 2021,” he said.
“We have had good enquiry on the space, with several potential buyers doing the due diligence.”
He added that a significant part of the shopping strip’s growth can be attributed to the growing population.
“The residential boom in and around the area has helped the street gain momentum. The new Surry Hills village has also assisted with the popularity of the strip – this has all heavily contributed to the growth of retail, restaurants, and cafes,” he said.
High Street, Armadale
Melbourne’s High Street in Armadale has also experienced a transformation. Once famed as the bridal capital of Australia, it was a destination where brides-to-be would flock to for fittings. It was also where one could find Persian rug stores and antique dealers. There are still remnants of this past along the street, with destinations like Karen Willis Bridal and ABBA Persian Rugs still trading among the slick new fashion brands.
Armadale’s wide, leafy streets, proximity to Toorak, and high-net-worth resident base attracted luxury retailers looking for a high-street alternative to the CBD.
Today, it’s a playground for a shopper with refined taste featuring international designer boutiques like Camilla and Marc, St Agni and Scanlan and Theodore, along with homeware brands like Maison Balzac, and a dining scene that appeals to a more discerning palate.
Commercially, listings rarely come onto the market as investors hold onto their coveted position that draws in high foot traffic and spending.
With expressions of interest now closed, 883-889 High Street, Armadale, is a prime example of the diversity of listings that do sometimes come onto the market either as several buildings or one Victorian terrace.
James Street, Brisbane
Brisbane’s James Street has one of the most contemporary success stories of a shopping strip in Australia. Located in Fortitude Valley, it was once an under-utilised strip dotted with industrial businesses and a small offering of retailers. Its trajectory shifted dramatically with the arrival of the Calile Hotel in 2018.
The Calile was not just another boutique hotel, but marked a new era for the area. Its architectural design and resort-style atmosphere have transformed James Street into a lifestyle destination for both locals and interstate visitors. Retail followed with national and international brands choosing the strip for their Brisbane flagship, with the likes of Silk Laundry, Zimmermann, and Bec + Bridge jumping on the bandwagon.
There are currently no listings either for lease or for sale on the street, which speaks to the rarity of a listing coming onto the market.
