In an age dominated by online shopping, Victoria’s local main streets are experiencing a resurgence, driven by the unique benefits of in-person shopping that digital platforms simply can't replicate. While online shopping offers convenience and ease, in-store experiences provide a level of sensory engagement and immediate gratification many customers still crave. To touch, try-on, sample and taste.
Popular chains and franchises are experiencing a rise in in-store spending, thus attracting more customers to city centres and surrounding shopping precincts, subsequently benefiting small businesses with the increased foot traffic and extra vibrancy.
Consequently, there has been a noticeable revival in the popularity of locally owned, independent retail businesses, as more consumers seek unique, high-quality, and locally sourced products. The "shop local" movement has gained particular traction in Frankston City, with passionately loyal residents increasingly choosing to support small, independent stores alongside the large selection of national household brand names.
While Frankston's retail industry is bolstered by its three large shopping precincts, Vicinity’s Bayside Shopping Centre, Karingal Hub and the Power Centre, it is the hundreds of local small businesses which are creating memorable, immersive experiences and loyal customer bases – catering not only to our 141,000 residents (and rapidly counting!), but a significant portion of returning trade from the 8.5 million visitors who flock to the Mornington Peninsula each year.
This enormous visitor trade, plus the growing population (expected to rise by an additional 16,200 by 2041 according to ProfileID), plus the proximity to Melbourne, has led to consistent growth in Frankston City’s retail sector over the past decade, and hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue.
In turn this has prompted huge investment from Federal, State and local government into Frankston’s urban renewal drive, with several infrastructure projects aimed at increasing the appeal of its retail areas. There is a focus on making the city centre more pedestrian-friendly and improving public transport access.
Frankston City is home to approximately 950 retailers, including 77 dedicated clothes retailers, 19 furniture stores, 30 sports and camping equipment outlets, 13 toy and game shops and 14 watch and jewelry stores.
As the demand for local, sustainable and unique products grows, smaller independent stores and local artisans are finding space on the Frankston retail scene.
There are currently 77 commercial properties for sale in Frankston City (CommercialRealEstate) so contact our investment officer at