Future retail sector opportunities in the Sunshine and Gold Coast regional economies

The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are emerging as two of Australia’s most dynamic regional economies, offering compelling opportunities for businesses in the retail sector looking to invest and expand. With robust population growth, diversified economies, and strategic infrastructure developments, both regions are well-positioned to support a thriving retail sector.

In this article, we explore the key drivers of growth, current trends, and future opportunities for the retail sector that make these such fast-growing coastal economies.

1. Economic growth and diversification

Gold Coast: Australia’s fastest-growing economy

The Gold Coast has outperformed economic forecasts, and is now the largest economy of any non-capital city in Australia, with a Gross Regional Product (GRP) close to $50 billion in 2024 according to the City of Gold Coast Economic Outlook Report 2025. The city is forecast to lead Australia in medium-term GRP growth, with a projected 10.1 per cent increase by 2028. This growth is driven by:

• A diversified economy spanning retail, tourism, health, education, professional services, and technology
• High net migration and employment growth, forecast to be over 1 million by 2040
• Strong business reinvestment and infrastructure investment.

Sunshine Coast: A resilient and adaptive economy

The Sunshine Coast’s economy is valued at over $24 billion and is expected to reach $33 billion by 2033 (Sunshine Coast Council). The region has shifted from a tourism-centric economy to one driven by high-value industries including digital tech, health, education, and the circular economy. Key drivers include:

• 100,000 jobs in high-value industries to be created
• Regional exports of 20 per cent exceeding growth targets
• A strategic focus on developing legacy economic assets from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

2. Retail sector performance and trends

Gold Coast retail boom

There is strong retail interest in this region, notably:

• There is an abundance of young, skilled professionals in the region interested in careers inside retail organisations. The Gold Coast is also expected to experience strong growth in its youth population, bucking forecast trends across the rest of Queensland, including Brisbane (City of Gold Coast - Economic Outlook Report 2025)
• The corridor south of Brisbane CBD through to south Gold Coast hosts a spectrum of small, fast growing and established ASX-listed retail company headquarters
• Retailers continue to tap into the self-care economy and lifestyle-driven spending
• Pop-ups, events, and interactive store formats are gaining traction
• In a previous article, we explored more about why the Gold Coast is the next frontier for eCommerce. 

Sunshine Coast retail landscape

The Sunshine Coast employs nearly ten per cent of all the retail workforce in Queensland and employment is expected to grow by six per cent in this sector between 2024 to 2028 (Sunshine Coast Region Workforce Insights). The sector is a major employer and benefits from both local consumption and domestic tourism. Key trends include:

• 77.4 per cent of retail output sold locally; 21.5 per cent to visitors and interregional online customers (Sunshine Coast Council)
• Retail employment dominated by younger, seasonal workers and casual roles
• Retail precincts concentrated in high-density areas like Caloundra and Maroochydore
• Local centres are becoming community hubs with cafes, wellness services, and boutique stores
• A focus on brand storytelling and customer engagement
• The Sunshine Coast Council’s Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) and planning scheme 2033 updates support retail and commercial growth with a forward-looking 20-year timeframe.

3. Consumer sentiment and retail forecasts

Reports have predicted a retail sector rebound following two recessions in 18 months. Nationally, real retail turnover is expected to grow in 2025 and 2026, with monthly ABS sales data revealing slightly higher growth in the first half of 2025 than the average growth last year, which sat at 2.8 per cent overall for the 2024 calendar year (Australian Retailers Association Retail Insights Report 2025). 

This recovery is driven by:

• Improved consumer sentiment
• Tax cuts increasing disposable income
• Anticipated RBA rate cuts encouraging spending.

We comment on how these national trends apply to local dynamics and considerations for retailers below.

4. Local and strategic opportunities for retailers

Retailers looking to expand or invest in the Sunshine and Gold Coast regions should consider:

• The use of pop-ups to trial and learn
• Mixed-use developments in growth pockets like Maroochydore and Caloundra
• Premium retail assets with strong tenant profiles and stable income like Pacific Fair
• Digital and experiential retail formats to cater to younger, tech-savvy populations
• Experience driven engagement that resonates with lifestyle focused consumers
• Partnerships with local councils to leverage planning incentives and Olympic infrastructure projects
• Leveraging local labour talent to support Corporate Office expansion for fast, growing retailers instead of relocation to ‘big City’ CBDs.

These opportunities align with broader national trends in retail, offering a competitive edge for retailers who act early and execute well.

Ready to unlock retail growth in Queensland’s coastal regions?

The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast offer fertile ground for retail innovation and investment. With robust economic fundamentals, supportive policy frameworks, and evolving consumer dynamics, retailers have a unique opportunity to shape the future of commerce in these vibrant coastal economies.

BDO’s work closely with businesses to navigate local market dynamics, leverage strategic opportunities, and drive sustainable growth in these vibrant coastal economies. Contact us or find out more about our retail sector specialists to explore how we can help your business thrive in the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast economies.