JOY Drive

20 Mar 2025

Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne: Are Shopping Malls Dying?

Business, Consumer Affairs, Popular Culture, Shopping, Society & Culture

It was buzzing if you stepped into an Australian shopping centre in the 1990s. Families were renting movies at Video Ezy, grabbing groceries at Franklins, or browsing gadgets at Australian Geographic.

Fast forward to 2025, and things look very different. Some department stores are ghost towns, cafes are struggling, and empty shopfronts are everywhere.

Ally Fashion, Rivers, and Michel’s Patisserie are just a few of the iconic Australian brands that have collapsed in the past year. And with rising costs and shifting shopping habits, many more could follow.

So, what’s behind the retail downturn? And can anything save the Aussie shopping mall?

Guest: Lauren Rosewarne, Associate Professor in Public Policy, Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne

Presenter: Warren Andrew

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 11:13 — 15.4MB)

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22 Feb 2026

Leo Stubbing: New Music from Hilary Duff , Leigh-Anne and Lana Del Rey

Music, Popular Culture

Hilary Duff is back with her first album in a decade, Leigh-Anne steps out independently with her solo debut, and ...

22 Feb 2026

Laureate Professor Clare Collins: Coffee and Blood Pressure

Diet and Nutrition, Health, Personal Safety, Popular Culture, Science & Medicine

Coffee can cause a short-term rise in blood pressure, yet large-scale research suggests it may not increase long-term hypertension risk ...

22 Feb 2026

Dr Jeremie Bracka: Victoria’s LGBTQIA+ Hate Crimes Inquiry

Government & Organisations, History, Law, LGBTIQA+ Community, News & Politics, Society & Culture

Victoria’s new inquiry into LGBTQIA+ hate crimes marks a significant moment for accountability and prevention. Dr Jeremie Bracka explains why ...