finance

Retail Decisions in Altona North Reflect Local Business Conditions

Store additions at Altona Gate Shopping Centre and the availability of the former Woolworths site at 39 Borrack Square show how operators are adjusting to foot traffic patterns and service expectations.

By Altona Business Desk · Published 25 July 2026

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This article was written by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a journalist before publishing. Melbourne Weather News is part of The Daily Network and follows our reasonable editorial care.

Retail Decisions in Altona North Reflect Local Business Conditions — Photo by David Jackmanson / flickr (by)

Altona Gate Shopping Centre in Altona North has added Sportsgirl, Skechers, Bed Bath N' Table, Roll'd and the newly opened Sacca's Fine Foods Butcher & Fish. At the same time the former Woolworths at 39 Borrack Square in Altona North has been placed on the market for the first time in 25 years.

Recent Openings at Altona Gate Shopping Centre

These five outlets joined the centre in Altona North as part of ongoing adjustments by retailers to local demand. The additions include fashion, footwear, homewares, food and a specialty butcher and fishmonger. Shoppers in Altona North can now access these stores within the one indoor centre.

Former Woolworths Site at 39 Borrack Square

The vacant supermarket building at 39 Borrack Square has been offered for investment after remaining under single ownership for the previous 25 years. The site sits in Altona North and is now available to new operators or investors for the first time since the mid-1990s.

Foot Traffic and Service Trends

Shopping mall foot traffic rose 1.8 per cent in early 2025, with indoor centres recording longer visit times. Retailers are also meeting expectations for faster click-and-collect, with 65 per cent of consumers wanting order pickup within 60 minutes or less. Omnichannel spend is projected to exceed 50 per cent of total retail revenue by 2026.

Ninety-five per cent of Australian retailers already use automation and are adopting AI-driven personalisation. Some operators are also adjusting clothing stock toward smaller sizes in response to demand from GLP-1 medication users. These changes are occurring alongside continued use of physical stores together with online channels.

Operators in Altona North are therefore weighing new store formats, site availability and faster fulfilment services when making location and inventory decisions. Retailers considering the 39 Borrack Square site or expansion at Altona Gate Shopping Centre will need to factor these service standards into their plans.

This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.