Westfield Chermside is preparing to welcome two highly anticipated arrivals, with Noosa Chocolate Factory and international lifestyle retailer Miniso both set to open their doors in the coming weeks.
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The pair will add to a string of recent retail shake-ups at Queensland’s largest shopping centre, where some long-time tenants have closed while newer, trend-driven brands are moving in.
Noosa Chocolate Factory, which has built a loyal following through its handmade chocolate treats and popular stores in Brisbane’s CBD, will soon extend its footprint northside. For Chermside locals, the opening marks the first chance to enjoy the chocolatier’s signature creations without making the trip into the city.
Global brand Miniso, known for its wide range of affordable lifestyle goods spanning homewares, cosmetics, toys and gadgets, is also preparing to make its Chermside debut. The Japanese-inspired chain has been expanding across Australia in recent years, tapping into a growing demand for quirky and accessible everyday products.
The new arrivals come amid a period of change at the centre. Long-standing tenants including Reebok, Matchbox, and Famous Footwear recently closed, with industry sources pointing to rent pressures as one factor. While those departures signal the end of an era for some familiar names, management has moved quickly to fill the spaces with fresh draws.
Recent openings show how Westfield Chermside is leaning into retailers that connect strongly with customers online. In August, the launch of chicken tenders restaurant Pappa Flock attracted hundreds of people who had followed the brand’s growth on TikTok and Instagram.
Retail experts note that shopping centres like Chermside are increasingly turning to these so-called “viral” retailers to cement their reputation as destinations. Unlike high streets, where fragmented ownership can limit coordinated planning, centres operated by companies like Scentre Group can actively curate their mix of stores to reflect customer trends.
According to Scentre Group, portfolio occupancy across its Westfield destinations sat at 99.7 per cent as of June 30 — the strongest since 2017. The company said nearly 30 of its 42 Westfield centres, including Chermside, were at full occupancy.
That strong demand underscores the appeal of Australia’s second-largest regional shopping centre. Last year alone, Westfield Chermside recorded 17.6 million customer visits and generated $1.35 billion in retail sales. In a further sign of its value, property giant Dexus earlier this year acquired a 25 per cent stake in the centre in a deal that valued the whole complex at more than $2.7 billion.
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For Chermside residents, the arrival of Noosa Chocolate Factory and Miniso will be more than just another retail shuffle. They represent the mix of local flair and global trends that continue to shape the shopping centre into a hub not only for retail but also for community life.
Published 29-September-2025
