What are the key characteristics of Hastings Street?
Noosa is one of the Sunshine Coast's biggest drawcards. People are lured to its white beaches, crystal-clear waters and eclectic array of boutique shops, luxury accommodation and world-class restaurants.
Hastings Street retains a laid-back but invigorating style, mixing the relaxed pace of beach living with a buzz created by the constant flow of visitors from all over Australia and the world.
Due to it being internationally renown, Hastings Street attracts a wide variety of visitors with backpackers and movie stars vying equally for a prime spot in the cosmopolitan coffee bars.
Noosa hosts some of the largest sporting events in Australia, including the iconic Noosa Triathlon. These multi-day events attract competitors from around the world and ensure that Hastings Street maintains its reputation as the go-to place for those who enjoy a fit and healthy lifestyle.
What are the demographics of the area?
Noosa attracts approximately 1.8 million tourists each year compared to 50,000 who live in the area, so the demographics only paint part of the picture. In saying that though, according to the 2006 national census the average age for permanent residents was 43, with a larger than average number of over-55s reflecting the popularity of the area with retirees. The average family income is $825 per week.
What is the prime retail space on the strip?
Hastings Street is only about 500m in length stretching from the Noosa Forest at the western end down to the Park Road roundabout at the eastern end, with retailers occupying both sides of the street. Whilst retailers are scattered from one end to the other, the prime area tends to be the stretch from the Noosa Drive Roundabout down to the Noosa Forest.
What do retailers pay to rent on the street?
Hastings Street retailers pay some of the highest rents for strip shops in Australia. Rents can vary from $1800/sqm net up to $3000/sqm, although some of the recent hard times seen in Queensland are forcing some landlords to lower their expectations on returns.
Are any international brands showing interest in the strip?
Hastings Street has a diverse mix of retailers including some very high end fashion retailers like Hugo Boss, Kookai, Mimco and Ed Hardy, but equally you will find locally owned stores selling local designs. This diversity is one of the great attractions of Hastings Street both for shoppers and retailers alike.
How is the mix of retailers changing?
Traditionally Hastings Street was heavily weighted to local brands and retailers. More recently we have seen the emergence of the national and international brands into the street. Whilst this trend is likely to continue into the future, it is hoped that the local brands will continue to flourish, as the mix is what makes Hastings Street such a special place to shop.