Macarthur Square in Southwest Sydney plans significant retail changes by 2026. Big W will undergo refurbishment, while Connor, YD, and Rockwear will either upgrade or relocate within the center.
Eight new stores and services, including Melia Nae and Bath & Body Works, will join the lineup. Around a dozen retailers, such as Black Pepper, Miniso, and Lion’s Den, alongside eateries and services, will also open new locations at the center.
Exciting developments
“Macarthur Square is experiencing a really exciting period of change, with new retailers complementing existing retailers upgrading their stores to bring new energy and a contemporary mix of tenants to the area,” said Jacqui Bell, the center’s manager.
She added, “We’ve got plenty more to look forward to, with retail brands recognising the opportunity to be part of a center with a rapidly expanding population on its doorstep. It’s a positive time for Macarthur Square, and we’re excited to see these changes come to life over the coming months.”
Big W’s upgrade follows a new store concept rollout, already implemented in Plumpton, NSW, and Queen Victoria in Melbourne. It remains unclear if the Macarthur Square location will adopt this format.
This new concept features improved navigation, dedicated ‘shop-in-shops’ for categories like health and beauty, party, and tech, as well as an upgraded toy section adjacent to the party shop and seasonal events space. It also includes a designated bulk-buy corner, upgraded fitting rooms, improved checkout areas, and clear signage highlighting special offers.
Retailer performance
Big W reported a 0.9% increase in total sales for FY26, reaching $4.71 billion. Second-half sales declined by 0.3%. The retailer operates approximately 178 stores across Australia.
Tarocash and YD, part of the Retail Apparel Group, are owned by The Foschini Group (TFG) in South Africa. TFG reported a 4.7% sales decline in the Australian market for the 21 weeks to August 22, with like-for-like sales down 4.1%.
TFG’s FY26 annual report highlighted its Australian division’s focus on optimizing its store network and enhancing its digital infrastructure. Store optimisation and selective refurbishments have improved sales density, while AI-enabled planning and process automation are delivering cost efficiencies.
As online sales approach 10% of total revenue, TFG Australia is reviewing its store footprint and rationalising its portfolio of marginal brands. They are also reassessing the scale of their New Zealand operations in response to the significant deterioration in that country’s economic environment.
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