The economic shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown has resulted in nationwide store closures, leaving investors to wonder if this novel coronavirus will be the impetus for the demise of traditional retail.

At the start of 2020, shopping centres had just emerged from a hugely challenging decade.

Australia has been among the most successful nations in its government’s handling of the novel coronavirus cases on its shores, as well as in easing the impact on its real estate markets. In late May, Institutional Real Estate Asia Pacific senior editor Dr Jennifer Molloy spoke with four experts on Australia.