Lonsdale Street Canberra shops shutting as foot traffic slumps
Moxom & Whitney closed after 14 years on Lonsdale Street, citing declining foot traffic and landlords unwilling to negotiate rent.
Wurrumay Collective opened on Lonsdale Street in 2024, selling Aboriginal-made art and goods. Owner Tash Kaiser says foot traffic has declined significantly this year.
Moxom & Whitney, a beloved florist, closed in January after 14 years. Owner Loulou Moxom said the troubles piled up: floods, fires, COVID shutdowns, construction, and landlords who wouldn't negotiate rent.
Lonsdale Street faces a perception problem-people avoid it thinking roadworks are ongoing. Bar Outro co-owner notes the street 'was buzzing six nights a week' years ago, now quiet.
Landlords are holding vacant properties, betting on rising values rather than lowering rent to attract tenants. Businesses also face climbing taxes, licence fees, food and alcohol costs, transport and insurance.
Restaurant owner Gus Armstrong calls the situation 'deep into a trough', though he hopes foot traffic returns when weather warms.
- over one million dollars
- Moxom & Whitney rent paid
- 14 years
- Years in business
- 2024
- Wurrumay Collective opened
- six nights a week buzzing
- Peak foot traffic years ago
Why it mattersShows how retail businesses get squeezed when rents stay high and foot traffic drops, threatening local precincts.
AustraliaCanberra's Lonsdale Street struggles reveal broader retail challenges across Australia: high rents, inflexible landlords, and rising operating costs.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 12 d ago
