Iconic department store shuts its doors for good after more than three decades

Many of us are used to staying updated with the changes and progress happening in our constantly evolving world. However, it can be challenging to keep up and even harder to let go of things we once cherished.

This could very well be the case for those who are familiar with Brisbane's renowned Myer Centre department store, which has been a symbol of the city for more than three decades.



Unfortunately, the window of opportunity to revisit and reminisce about the iconic store has closed after negotiations between the store and the landlord reportedly fell through over the weekend.

Myer Chief Executive John King explained in a statement earlier this year that despite the store's commitment to the Brisbane market, an agreement could simply not be reached.


Screen Shot 2023-07-31 at 11.41.37 AM.png
The retail giant has been at the location for 35 years. Credit: Shutterstock.



'We have been unable to negotiate a reasonable commercial outcome with the landlord and, as such, will continue to look for an alternative CBD location,' he said.

'We thank our team members for their service and will be providing redeployment opportunities at nearby stores.'

The Myer Centre was first established in 1988 for the World EXPO and was Australia's second-largest department store. Designed with a variety of outlets spread out along four floors, customers from all over were able to purchase most, if not all, of their desired necessities.



But the site was more than just a store. Located at the top of the centre was an amusement park for children called Tops, which provided memories to last a lifetime. The park housed a memorable dragon roller coaster, and many took to social media to reminisce after news of the centre's closure broke.

'Spent many a fun weekend at Tops, tragedy they closed that down, kids these days don't know what they missed out on!!' one person wrote on social media.

'Tops was the crowning jewel to the Myer Centre shopping mall,' another shared.



Although the department store will remain in the Brisbane area, the future of the iconic centre remains uncertain. It had been rumoured that Griffith University is set to take over the site as a CBD campus, educating 7500 students in business, law, IT, and more.

However, the university has since released a statement denying that the Myer Centre is one of their shortlisted options.

It is understood that the Myer Centre itself will remain open while seeking a new namesake tenant.

This all means that for now, Brisbane locals will just have to take a moment to remember the good times.

Key Takeaways

  • The Myer Centre's namesake store, an iconic part of Brisbane's CBD and Australia's second-largest department store, has closed its doors.
  • The closure follows a breakdown in talks between the department store and its landlord, pushing Myer to search for an alternative CBD location.
  • Nostalgic locals have shared their fond memories of the centre on social media, especially for the children's amusement park, Tops, and its beloved dragon roller coaster.
  • Despite rumours that Griffith University would take over the space left by the store, the university confirmed that the Myer Centre is not one of the short-listed options for its new campus.



As stores and retailers continue to modernise and upgrade, some even merging with competitors to stay in business for the long run, keeping track of all the changes happening in the retail landscape becomes challenging.

Members, have any of you cherished memories of visiting Brisbane's iconic Myer Centre store or any other local retailers in your area that have unfortunately closed down? We would love to hear about your experiences! Feel free to share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
 
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Many of us are used to staying updated with the changes and progress happening in our constantly evolving world. However, it can be challenging to keep up and even harder to let go of things we once cherished.

This could very well be the case for those who are familiar with Brisbane's renowned Myer Centre department store, which has been a symbol of the city for more than three decades.



Unfortunately, the window of opportunity to revisit and reminisce about the iconic store has closed after negotiations between the store and the landlord reportedly fell through over the weekend.

Myer Chief Executive John King explained in a statement earlier this year that despite the store's commitment to the Brisbane market, an agreement could simply not be reached.


View attachment 26320
The retail giant has been at the location for 35 years. Credit: Shutterstock.



'We have been unable to negotiate a reasonable commercial outcome with the landlord and, as such, will continue to look for an alternative CBD location,' he said.

'We thank our team members for their service and will be providing redeployment opportunities at nearby stores.'

The Myer Centre was first established in 1988 for the World EXPO and was Australia's second-largest department store. Designed with a variety of outlets spread out along four floors, customers from all over were able to purchase most, if not all, of their desired necessities.



But the site was more than just a store. Located at the top of the centre was an amusement park for children called Tops, which provided memories to last a lifetime. The park housed a memorable dragon roller coaster, and many took to social media to reminisce after news of the centre's closure broke.

'Spent many a fun weekend at Tops, tragedy they closed that down, kids these days don't know what they missed out on!!' one person wrote on social media.

'Tops was the crowning jewel to the Myer Centre shopping mall,' another shared.



Although the department store will remain in the Brisbane area, the future of the iconic centre remains uncertain. It had been rumoured that Griffith University is set to take over the site as a CBD campus, educating 7500 students in business, law, IT, and more.

However, the university has since released a statement denying that the Myer Centre is one of their shortlisted options.

It is understood that the Myer Centre itself will remain open while seeking a new namesake tenant.

This all means that for now, Brisbane locals will just have to take a moment to remember the good times.

Key Takeaways

  • The Myer Centre's namesake store, an iconic part of Brisbane's CBD and Australia's second-largest department store, has closed its doors.
  • The closure follows a breakdown in talks between the department store and its landlord, pushing Myer to search for an alternative CBD location.
  • Nostalgic locals have shared their fond memories of the centre on social media, especially for the children's amusement park, Tops, and its beloved dragon roller coaster.
  • Despite rumours that Griffith University would take over the space left by the store, the university confirmed that the Myer Centre is not one of the short-listed options for its new campus.



As stores and retailers continue to modernise and upgrade, some even merging with competitors to stay in business for the long run, keeping track of all the changes happening in the retail landscape becomes challenging.

Members, have any of you cherished memories of visiting Brisbane's iconic Myer Centre store or any other local retailers in your area that have unfortunately closed down? We would love to hear about your experiences! Feel free to share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
My husband installed the white fabric roof at the Myer centre in 1988.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Liz
Sign of the times.... I watch as small businesses open and make a note to watch them. Before the lease is up ...down they go. In the shopping centre near me, I have witnessed 4 businesses go 'out of business' and the premises stand vacant for over a year. Either the landlord is claiming the rent or they too are on the verge of going bust.....
 
Myer.... it was only a matter of time.... like Grace brothers.... next will be David Jones... watch this space..... and more to follow.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Veggiepatch
I remember in the 60's I applied for a Myer Credit Card (or something similar - might have had a different name then) and I was told I had to have written permission from my husband! LOL!! Needless to say I thought they could stuff their little cards so didn't bother and to this day have never bothered!
 
I remember in the 60's I applied for a Myer Credit Card (or something similar - might have had a different name then) and I was told I had to have written permission from my husband! LOL!! Needless to say I thought they could stuff their little cards so didn't bother and to this day have never bothered!
Permission from your husband isn't it rediculous my mother and father were way ahead of the times I can't imagine my mother accepting that I think she would have bopped him
 
Permission from your husband isn't it rediculous my mother and father were way ahead of the times I can't imagine my mother accepting that I think she would have bopped him

poor man..... it wouldn't have been his fault ha ha ha
 
Many of us are used to staying updated with the changes and progress happening in our constantly evolving world. However, it can be challenging to keep up and even harder to let go of things we once cherished.

This could very well be the case for those who are familiar with Brisbane's renowned Myer Centre department store, which has been a symbol of the city for more than three decades.



Unfortunately, the window of opportunity to revisit and reminisce about the iconic store has closed after negotiations between the store and the landlord reportedly fell through over the weekend.

Myer Chief Executive John King explained in a statement earlier this year that despite the store's commitment to the Brisbane market, an agreement could simply not be reached.


View attachment 26320
The retail giant has been at the location for 35 years. Credit: Shutterstock.



'We have been unable to negotiate a reasonable commercial outcome with the landlord and, as such, will continue to look for an alternative CBD location,' he said.

'We thank our team members for their service and will be providing redeployment opportunities at nearby stores.'

The Myer Centre was first established in 1988 for the World EXPO and was Australia's second-largest department store. Designed with a variety of outlets spread out along four floors, customers from all over were able to purchase most, if not all, of their desired necessities.



But the site was more than just a store. Located at the top of the centre was an amusement park for children called Tops, which provided memories to last a lifetime. The park housed a memorable dragon roller coaster, and many took to social media to reminisce after news of the centre's closure broke.

'Spent many a fun weekend at Tops, tragedy they closed that down, kids these days don't know what they missed out on!!' one person wrote on social media.

'Tops was the crowning jewel to the Myer Centre shopping mall,' another shared.



Although the department store will remain in the Brisbane area, the future of the iconic centre remains uncertain. It had been rumoured that Griffith University is set to take over the site as a CBD campus, educating 7500 students in business, law, IT, and more.

However, the university has since released a statement denying that the Myer Centre is one of their shortlisted options.

It is understood that the Myer Centre itself will remain open while seeking a new namesake tenant.

This all means that for now, Brisbane locals will just have to take a moment to remember the good times.

Key Takeaways

  • The Myer Centre's namesake store, an iconic part of Brisbane's CBD and Australia's second-largest department store, has closed its doors.
  • The closure follows a breakdown in talks between the department store and its landlord, pushing Myer to search for an alternative CBD location.
  • Nostalgic locals have shared their fond memories of the centre on social media, especially for the children's amusement park, Tops, and its beloved dragon roller coaster.
  • Despite rumours that Griffith University would take over the space left by the store, the university confirmed that the Myer Centre is not one of the short-listed options for its new campus.



As stores and retailers continue to modernise and upgrade, some even merging with competitors to stay in business for the long run, keeping track of all the changes happening in the retail landscape becomes challenging.

Members, have any of you cherished memories of visiting Brisbane's iconic Myer Centre store or any other local retailers in your area that have unfortunately closed down? We would love to hear about your experiences! Feel free to share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!

Many of us are used to staying updated with the changes and progress happening in our constantly evolving world. However, it can be challenging to keep up and even harder to let go of things we once cherished.

This could very well be the case for those who are familiar with Brisbane's renowned Myer Centre department store, which has been a symbol of the city for more than three decades.



Unfortunately, the window of opportunity to revisit and reminisce about the iconic store has closed after negotiations between the store and the landlord reportedly fell through over the weekend.

Myer Chief Executive John King explained in a statement earlier this year that despite the store's commitment to the Brisbane market, an agreement could simply not be reached.


View attachment 26320
The retail giant has been at the location for 35 years. Credit: Shutterstock.



'We have been unable to negotiate a reasonable commercial outcome with the landlord and, as such, will continue to look for an alternative CBD location,' he said.

'We thank our team members for their service and will be providing redeployment opportunities at nearby stores.'

The Myer Centre was first established in 1988 for the World EXPO and was Australia's second-largest department store. Designed with a variety of outlets spread out along four floors, customers from all over were able to purchase most, if not all, of their desired necessities.



But the site was more than just a store. Located at the top of the centre was an amusement park for children called Tops, which provided memories to last a lifetime. The park housed a memorable dragon roller coaster, and many took to social media to reminisce after news of the centre's closure broke.

'Spent many a fun weekend at Tops, tragedy they closed that down, kids these days don't know what they missed out on!!' one person wrote on social media.

'Tops was the crowning jewel to the Myer Centre shopping mall,' another shared.



Although the department store will remain in the Brisbane area, the future of the iconic centre remains uncertain. It had been rumoured that Griffith University is set to take over the site as a CBD campus, educating 7500 students in business, law, IT, and more.

However, the university has since released a statement denying that the Myer Centre is one of their shortlisted options.

It is understood that the Myer Centre itself will remain open while seeking a new namesake tenant.

This all means that for now, Brisbane locals will just have to take a moment to remember the good times.

Key Takeaways

  • The Myer Centre's namesake store, an iconic part of Brisbane's CBD and Australia's second-largest department store, has closed its doors.
  • The closure follows a breakdown in talks between the department store and its landlord, pushing Myer to search for an alternative CBD location.
  • Nostalgic locals have shared their fond memories of the centre on social media, especially for the children's amusement park, Tops, and its beloved dragon roller coaster.
  • Despite rumours that Griffith University would take over the space left by the store, the university confirmed that the Myer Centre is not one of the short-listed options for its new campus.



As stores and retailers continue to modernise and upgrade, some even merging with competitors to stay in business for the long run, keeping track of all the changes happening in the retail landscape becomes challenging.

Members, have any of you cherished memories of visiting Brisbane's iconic Myer Centre store or any other local retailers in your area that have unfortunately closed down? We would love to hear about your experiences! Feel free to share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
When one door closes there are others to knock on, to open and to forge ahead in new directions.
 
Many of us are used to staying updated with the changes and progress happening in our constantly evolving world. However, it can be challenging to keep up and even harder to let go of things we once cherished.

This could very well be the case for those who are familiar with Brisbane's renowned Myer Centre department store, which has been a symbol of the city for more than three decades.



Unfortunately, the window of opportunity to revisit and reminisce about the iconic store has closed after negotiations between the store and the landlord reportedly fell through over the weekend.

Myer Chief Executive John King explained in a statement earlier this year that despite the store's commitment to the Brisbane market, an agreement could simply not be reached.


View attachment 26320
The retail giant has been at the location for 35 years. Credit: Shutterstock.



'We have been unable to negotiate a reasonable commercial outcome with the landlord and, as such, will continue to look for an alternative CBD location,' he said.

'We thank our team members for their service and will be providing redeployment opportunities at nearby stores.'

The Myer Centre was first established in 1988 for the World EXPO and was Australia's second-largest department store. Designed with a variety of outlets spread out along four floors, customers from all over were able to purchase most, if not all, of their desired necessities.



But the site was more than just a store. Located at the top of the centre was an amusement park for children called Tops, which provided memories to last a lifetime. The park housed a memorable dragon roller coaster, and many took to social media to reminisce after news of the centre's closure broke.

'Spent many a fun weekend at Tops, tragedy they closed that down, kids these days don't know what they missed out on!!' one person wrote on social media.

'Tops was the crowning jewel to the Myer Centre shopping mall,' another shared.



Although the department store will remain in the Brisbane area, the future of the iconic centre remains uncertain. It had been rumoured that Griffith University is set to take over the site as a CBD campus, educating 7500 students in business, law, IT, and more.

However, the university has since released a statement denying that the Myer Centre is one of their shortlisted options.

It is understood that the Myer Centre itself will remain open while seeking a new namesake tenant.

This all means that for now, Brisbane locals will just have to take a moment to remember the good times.

Key Takeaways

  • The Myer Centre's namesake store, an iconic part of Brisbane's CBD and Australia's second-largest department store, has closed its doors.
  • The closure follows a breakdown in talks between the department store and its landlord, pushing Myer to search for an alternative CBD location.
  • Nostalgic locals have shared their fond memories of the centre on social media, especially for the children's amusement park, Tops, and its beloved dragon roller coaster.
  • Despite rumours that Griffith University would take over the space left by the store, the university confirmed that the Myer Centre is not one of the short-listed options for its new campus.



As stores and retailers continue to modernise and upgrade, some even merging with competitors to stay in business for the long run, keeping track of all the changes happening in the retail landscape becomes challenging.

Members, have any of you cherished memories of visiting Brisbane's iconic Myer Centre store or any other local retailers in your area that have unfortunately closed down? We would love to hear about your experiences! Feel free to share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
 
  • Like
Reactions: IAN3005
Actually I worked for a Shelving Company in the Early Eighties who was Contracted All the Shelving and Shopfitting of the Myer Centre. We were There for Approximately 6 Months Before it Was Opened. I then Shopped There Until it Closed.
 
  • Like
Reactions: IAN3005
Typical of what is happening all over Australia. Our main street has more vacant shops than open ones. With more closing monthly. This means we have to drive to a large shopping centre 20 minutes away. Not good.
 
  • Like
Reactions: IAN3005
Many of these stores that are closing down have brought it all on themselves, buy failing to employ enough staff and train them in customer service. Refusing to take cash is another reason to shop elsewhere. If they continue down this path, we would all be better off buying everything online, and sit and watch them all go broke.
 

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