Why Everyday Retail is Back on the Map

In September 2025, QIC (Queensland Investment Corporation¹) announced a $1.5 billion capital raise to expand its Everyday Retail Fund. The focus is on community and neighbourhood centres anchored by tenants people rely on every week such as supermarkets, pharmacies and service retail. For many in the industry, this is a clear sign that large-scale investors are once again placing serious value on retail assets.

This signals to the market that properties which might once have felt secondary, like suburban centres or smaller service hubs, are quickly becoming the main event. When institutional capital flows into a sector, it tends to lift the entire market along with it.

From glamour to resilience

What makes this move particularly interesting is that QIC is focusing less on the glossy, high-profile malls and more on the types of centres that prove their worth in every market cycle. These assets are anchored by tenants that people visit regardless of broader economic conditions. The shift highlights a broader trend in commercial property towards resilience over spectacle.

The centres and strips that were once seen as steady but unremarkable are now front and centre in institutional strategies. There is also clear opportunity for uplift. Centres can be repositioned by changing the tenant profile, introducing anchor retailers such as an IGA or pharmacy to draw more consistent foot traffic, or by improving the overall tenant mix. With multiple tenants under one roof, the risk of vacancy is naturally spread, which provides both stability and upside potential.

Raising the bar on preparation

With the return of institutional money also comes a greater level of scrutiny. Lease profiles, sustainability credentials, tenant covenants and operational risks are all being examined more closely than ever. This means that being prepared, informed and ready to act decisively has never been more important.

Why this matters

The retail sector is no longer the underdog of commercial property. It is experiencing a genuine resurgence, and there are opportunities for those who understand where the market is heading.

At MCommercial we prioritise detailed due diligence and clear communication with all parties. Our role is to make the buying process smoother by addressing questions early and equipping our clients with the insights they need. This approach reduces uncertainty and builds trust on both sides of the table. This is where MCommercial has built its strength. By maintaining strong ties with selling agents across Australia, we help ensure buyers are introduced to the right properties before they reach the open market. When agents and buyer’s agents work together, deals not only happen faster but also with less friction. Reach out any time and let’s explore how we can work together.

¹ QIC, or Queensland Investment Corporation, is a Queensland Government-owned investment manager. Established in 1991, it has grown into one of Australia’s largest institutional investors, managing more than $100 billion across infrastructure, property, private equity and other assets.

In commercial real estate, QIC is best known for owning and managing major shopping centres and office assets around the country. More recently, its strategy has shifted towards “everyday retail” assets such as neighbourhood and community centres, reflecting a focus on stable, long-term growth.