20 Years of Consumer Change — Is It Universal?
Over the past two decades, shopping has changed—not just in Australia, but globally. From convenience to experience, from transactions to connection, consumer behaviour is evolving fast.
Here’s what’s changed:
E-commerce & Omnichannel: Consumers expect seamless online-offline shopping, product reviews, and virtual try-ons.
Experience Over Transaction: Purchases are no longer enough—people crave memorable, Instagram-worthy moments.
Tech-Savvy Expectations: AI recommendations, AR/VR, mobile payments—they’re no longer “nice-to-haves,” they’re expected.
Community & Purpose: Sustainability, local engagement, and ethical practices now influence choices.
But are these shifts universal?
Global Trends vs Regional Flavours
Some trends are global: convenience, personalization, and immersive experiences. But the expression of these behaviours differs by region:
Western Markets (Australia, Europe): Focus on sustainability, human-centric design, and community integration. Shoppers want spaces that give back—to the environment, local communities, and their wellbeing.
Eastern Markets (China, Japan, South Korea): Focus on technology, spectacle, and entertainment-driven experiences. Indoor ski slopes, vertical aquariums, AI robots, and cyberpunk-themed stores make retail feel like theatre.
✅ The drivers are similar, but the expression is cultural.
The Future of Shopping Centres: West vs East
Western Vision: Burwood Brickworks, Melbourne
Sustainability First: Net positive energy, water recycling, rooftop urban farms.
Community Hub: Childcare, cinema, health services—integrated into retail.
Experience with Purpose: Shopping isn’t just a transaction—it’s learning, engaging, and connecting.
Eastern Vision: Futuristic Asian Malls
Chengdu Damofang Mall: Immersive art installations + personalized tech.
Huafa Snow World: The world’s largest indoor ski resort meets retail.
Robot Mall, Beijing: AI-driven humanoid robots creating a futuristic spectacle.
Livat Shanghai: 300+ tenants, entertainment, and community spaces.
These malls are more about “wow factor” than sustainability, blending technology, entertainment, and immersive experiences.
A Hybrid Global Future
The next-generation shopping centre will likely combine the best of both worlds:
Sustainable & Regenerative: Feeding the community, protecting the planet, integrating purpose.
Immersive & Tech-Enabled: Entertainment, AI, AR/VR, and unforgettable sensory moments.
Imagine a mall where you pick fresh rooftop veggies, watch an AI-assisted art show, and ski indoors—all under one roof. That’s retail’s next frontier.
Which Future Excites You?
🌱 A human-centric, sustainable model, like Australia’s Burwood Brickworks?
🤖 A tech-driven, immersive model, like Asia’s futuristic malls?
💬 I’d love to hear your thoughts—what type of shopping experience do you see dominating the next decade?