Deal makers

Strong population growth and changes to retail regulations are driving shopping centre sales.

ALDI's imminent arrival in WA and continuing competition between the retail majors has sidelined many retail developers who just can't pay the big prices Coles and Woolworths will shell out for new sites.

Property group Hawaiian is building on its investment in the community to turn its neighbourhood shopping centres into meeting places.

The arrival of a clutch of new international brands in coming years has the potential to rejuvenate the city retail sector, which has been hit by softer spending and the extended shopping hours at suburban centres.