Online shopping has transformed the way Australians buy and that shift is now reshaping how commercial property performs, evolves, and is valued.
While major cities like Brisbane often lead these trends, regional markets like Mackay are experiencing their own version of this change - one that is creating both challenges and opportunities.
For investors, landlords, and business owners, this isn’t just something to be aware of—it’s something to actively plan around.
How Is Online Shopping Changing Commercial Property?
Retail is shifting toward experience and service-based businesses
Industrial property demand is increasing due to logistics and storage needs
Office spaces are becoming more flexible and efficient
Location is now about accessibility and convenience - not just foot traffic
Commercial property isn’t declining - it’s evolving.
A Shift in How Commercial Property Works
The idea that online shopping is “killing” physical property is misleading.
What’s actually happening is a redefinition of space.
Commercial property is now shaped by:
The focus is no longer just on where a property is- but how it functions.
What’s Changing in Commercial Property?
1. Retail Spaces Are Adapting - Not Disappearing
Retail in Mackay is evolving rather than declining.
What’s working:
Experience-based businesses
Food, health, and beauty services
Destination-style retail
What’s under pressure:
The shift is from:
Transactional retail → Experiential retail
Consumers are now looking for:
Convenience
Experience
Personal interaction
2. Industrial Property Is One of the Biggest Winners
Behind every online purchase is a need for space.
Demand is increasing for:
Warehousing
Storage facilities
Distribution hubs
Why investors are focusing here:
Industrial property is no longer secondary - it’s strategic.
3. Office Spaces Are Becoming More Purpose-Driven
Online systems and remote work have changed office requirements.
We’re now seeing:
Smaller office footprints
Flexible and shared spaces
Focus on accessibility and usability
Offices are shifting from “workspace” to “functional business hubs”.
4. Location Still Matters - But in a New Way
Traditionally, high foot traffic defined a prime location.
Now, businesses are prioritising:
A good location today is one that supports how a business operates - not just where it sits.
What This Means for Investors
If you’re investing in Mackay or anywhere else, the landscape is shifting toward future-focused assets.
Opportunities
Key Considerations
The goal is no longer just yield - it’s sustainability of income.
What This Means for Landlords & Sellers
Online shopping hasn’t reduced demand—it has changed tenant expectations.
To Stay Competitive
Offer flexible leasing structures
Consider upgrading or modernising spaces
Target industries aligned with current demand
When Selling
Buyers are now asking:
Is this property future-proof?
Does the tenant align with market trends?
Will this income remain stable?
Strategic positioning is what separates average results from premium outcomes.
Is Online Shopping a Threat or an Opportunity?
Online shopping is transforming - not replacing commercial property.
Retail is becoming more experience-driven
Industrial property is growing rapidly
Offices are evolving in purpose
The opportunity lies in adapting early and investing wisely.
Why Mackay Is Well Positioned
Mackay offers a different commercial property profile to larger metropolitan markets. While major cities often experience larger development cycles, higher volumes of new supply and greater competition between assets, Mackay’s market is supported by a strong regional economy and ongoing demand from local industries.
Key strengths include:
A strong economic base supported by resources, infrastructure, construction, services and logistics
Ongoing investment across the Greater Whitsunday region, supporting jobs and business confidence
Continued need for physical business locations across industrial, retail, office and service-based sectors
A market that is generally less exposed to the large-scale CBD office supply cycles seen in major metro areas
This positions Mackay as a commercial market that is:
Practical and locally driven
Supported by real business activity
Attractive to investors seeking income-producing regional assets
Well placed for long-term performance when the asset, tenant and lease structure are right
Gardian is positioned as a leading commercial real estate agency in Mackay, helping clients navigate a changing market.
For Investors
Identify assets aligned with future demand
Understand tenant trends and performance
Access high-quality local opportunities
For Landlords & Sellers
Our focus is simple: help you stay ahead of where the market is going.
