Charlestown Square vs Westfield Kotara: which shopping centre do you prefer?

IN THE battle for retail supremacy there are two top contenders in the Newcastle market.

Less than four kilometres separate Charlestown Square and Westfield Kotara, yet the two shopping centres have taken very different approaches to expansion and retail offerings this year to keep shoppers coming through the doors.

According to new research from the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan, overall pre-Christmas retail spending for the six weeks from November 13 to Christmas Eve is forecast to reach $72.4 billion nationwide, a 4 per cent increase on last year. This increase is in line with forecasts for the Black Friday-Cyber Monday spending, which were also predicted to rise four per cent year-on-year.

When it comes to the local centres, the foot traffic was set to surpass 100,000 people at Charlestown Square for the weekend of the Black Friday sales.

"The Christmas trading period is always a huge time for Charlestown Square and our retail partners," centre manager Kate Murphy said.

"All of the key days experience strong customer numbers as locals take advantage of our extended trading hours. Black Friday is one of our biggest days of the year, closely followed by the Saturday and Sunday that weekend.

"The week leading into Christmas is always enormous, with traffic building steadily through to the last minute on Christmas Eve. And thanks to late trading hours, we'll see some of our busiest nights of the entire year over the coming weeks."

Scentre Group, the company that runs Westfield Kotara did not provide specific foot traffic data for the same period, but its annual reporting figures showed about 8 million people passed through the shopping centre last year.

The same document reveals the total annual retail spend per capita for the Westfield Kotara main trade area was estimated at $19,114 in 2024, which is 15 per cent above the Sydney Metro average of $16,628.

The main trade area refers to the core region closest to a business that generates the majority of its customers.

And it seems people are returning to retail spaces this Christmas, opting for the face-to-face experience of a shopping centre.

"Only 22 per cent of Australians say they're making more purchases online than a year ago - less than half the level seen in 2021 - with many returning to in-store experiences in search of value and connection," ARA chief executive Chris Rodwell said.

"After a challenging year, early shopping activity is helping to build momentum for the most important season for the sector, where many discretionary retailers make up to two-thirds of their annual profits."

Charlestown Square's Ms Murphy agreed that people were seeing the value in coming to the shops again, after years of COVID closures.

"The buzz around retail right now is incredible. People love the atmosphere of shopping in person, discovering new stores, and sharing those experiences with family and friends. You can really feel that energy throughout the centre, especially during the festive season when Santa and the lights create some extra magic."

Both local shopping centres have been competitive this year, opening a treasure trove of new stores and introducing fresh brands to the Hunter Region.

Westfield Kotara launched Nike, LSKD, Hairhouse Warehouse, Jag, Leays, Palermo Perfumes, Momo Chicken, The Ballpark and Harli & Haper. Adore Beauty is also expected to open its doors early in the new year.

"Continually evolving the retail offering at Westfield Kotara is an important part of our customer experience and ensures we continue to meet the needs and interests of our community," Westfield Kotara centre manager, Kelly Robinson, said.

Over at Charlestown Square many brands popular on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have opened up including self-serve 98 per cent fat-free frozen yoghurt store Yo Chi, the region's largest Mecca, acai and protein shake kiosk Thirsty Monkey and the relaunch of Kmart.

Western apparel store, The Stable Door, has recently opened and has reportedly been attracting customers from as far as Tamworth. Adidas is also set to open a store in the centre.

"These additions reflect what our customers have been asking for - the brands they love most, right here at Charlestown," Ms Murphy said.

"It's been a huge year for new arrivals. We can't reveal too much just yet, but what we can say is that the momentum will definitely continue. There are some very exciting announcements on the horizon for 2026, including new names that will really enhance our retail and dining offer."

SHOPPING CENTRES IN NUMBERS:

Gross lettable space:

• Charlestown Square - 91,264 m2
• Westfield Kotara - 81,983m2

Moving annual turnover (total retail sales 2024) - includes cinema, restaurant, travel, entertainment:

• Charlestown Square - more than $605 million
• Westfield Kotara - about $587 million

The figures are compiled annually in the "Big Guns" report produced by Shopping Centre News, considered the leading shopping centre industry publication.