Post by Malls & Stores of the Future

The Malls & Stores of the Future Summit kicked off this morning, and the opening sessions set the pace fast. Nick Reece opened with a clear reminder of retail’s role beyond transaction, as a driver of Melbourne’s identity, economic activity and everyday urban life. A timely reset on why physical retail still matters. Reid Nakou followed with a sharp, high-level playbook for where retail is heading next. Creative, cult and commercial, and how the best destinations are balancing all three to stay relevant, connected and profitable. Linda Hurst then brought a global lens, contrasting Australia with the UAE’s super-mall model. A clear takeaway: cultural mindset, constant reinvention and integrated experiences are setting a new benchmark for customer engagement. The session from Geoff Anson of Microgrid Power shifted gears into asset strategy, unpacking how energy infrastructure, from solar and batteries to VPPs, is becoming a lever for both cost reduction and new revenue, while driving the “green premium” in valuations. And the morning closed with a heavyweight landlord panel, featuring Kirrily Lord, Chris Forbes, Sam Curry, moderated by Tony Doherty. The discussion centred on what it really takes to drive performance today, from curated tenancy mix and precinct strategy to deeper landlord–retailer partnerships and shared accountability. A big start to the day, with plenty more to come. #MOTF26