What: Westfield has launched Allders Parade, transforming a former historic department store into a new mixed-use retail destination.

Why it is important: Westfield’s strategy demonstrates how property owners can revitalise legacy spaces to attract modern consumers and drive foot traffic.

Westfield’s unveiling of Allders Parade in a former historic department store marks a significant evolution in retail property strategy, showcasing the adaptive reuse of legacy spaces to meet contemporary demands. The initiative transforms the traditional department store format into a vibrant mixed-use destination, blending retail, experiential offerings, and community engagement. This approach is emblematic of a wider industry trend, where property owners are reimagining underutilised or iconic sites to create environments that resonate with today’s consumers, who increasingly seek experiences alongside shopping. By integrating innovative concepts and prioritising customer interaction, Westfield positions itself at the forefront of retail transformation, ensuring resilience amid shifting market dynamics. The project not only preserves the architectural heritage of the site but also injects new commercial and social value, reinforcing the importance of strategic reinvention in sustaining foot traffic and relevance in a competitive landscape. This move underscores the necessity for retail destinations to evolve, blending tradition with innovation to secure long-term success.

IADS Notes: Westfield’s launch of Allders Parade in a former historic department store exemplifies the adaptive reuse trend shaping retail, echoing the transformation of Jenner’s department store into a mixed-use concept focused on community and innovation (WWD, October 2024). This strategy aligns with the sector’s broader shift toward experiential retail and heritage preservation, as successful department stores invest in modernisation and customer engagement to remain relevant (The Retail Bulletin, April 2025). The move also reflects the industry’s response to the retreat from traditional downtown flagships, where high real estate values and changing consumer behaviours have prompted creative mixed-use redevelopments (The Robin Report, March 2025). Westfield’s initiative is part of a wider surge in experiential retail, with landlords converting traditional spaces into interactive venues to attract younger consumers and boost foot traffic (Los Angeles Times, March 2025). The effectiveness of this approach is underscored by Westfield’s resilient performance and successful expansion, demonstrating the value of combining traditional retail with innovative, experience-driven strategies (Fashion Network, April 2025).

Westfield launches Allders Parade in former historic department store