Looking for A Path to Franchise Success? Think Gateway Darwin
The new Gateway Shopping Centre is a thriving shopping, dining and state-of-the-art entertainment precinct in the Northern Territory. Located in the City of Palmerston, at the major vehicular intersection of the Stuart Highway and Roystonea Ave, a short 20-minute drive from Darwin’s CBD and suburbs, Gateway attracts more than three million customers each year.
Darwin’s hottest shopping destination
Darwin and its surrounding areas are home to around 205,000 residents. Household earnings are 32% higher than the Australian average, so what it lacks in big population numbers it makes up for in higher disposable incomes.
Port Darwin is a significant shipping port export hub. The core demographic is 25–49-year-olds with a family of four and there is a balance of both white-collar and blue-collar employment. There is also a large population of well-paid mining and construction workers as well as Defence Force personnel.
The rapidly expanding Palmerston area is experiencing a boom in housing and has become a hub for young families with a high average income and a large growth in military personnel.
“The regional area of Palmerston is one of Australia’s fastest growing young family markets with an above-average household income, making it a compelling destination to set up a franchise business,” said Grant Isaacs National Retail Leasing Manager.
Of course, Darwin is known for its long, hot never-ending summers and tropical storms, making Gateway Shopping Centre a delightful destination for Darwinians looking to escape the heat, hang out with friends and family, and enjoy the air-conditioned comforts and multiple conveniences on offer. For business owners, that means lots of foot traffic and lots of relaxed customers looking to spend their time – and their money.
The Gateway experiences
More than a shopping centre, Gateway offers a modern, convenient one-stop lifestyle experience. Customers come not only to do their weekly grocery shop at one of the region’s newest full line Woolworths or grab a few essentials, they also come to browse, to utilise beauty service facilities, to dine, and to play. In fact, more than three million customers head to Gateway every year.
The centre is home to major stores like Woolworths, BIG W, Best&Less and Event V-Max Cinemas. Among the many attractions, there is also a 24-hour gym, giant indoor play zone, indoor and outdoor destination dining, an expansive food court with 500 seats, and plenty of free undercover and shade cloth parking. Plus, the destination boasts Darwin’s largest all-in-one entertainment venue, Landmark @ Gateway, featuring a family-friendly bar and bistro, massive outdoor entertainment area and nightclub. Also connected to the main shopping centre, Gateway Extra contains a wide array of big box retail catering to trades and other services.
There are excellent franchise possibilities available at Gateway and Gateway Extra, from Dymocks Books, X Golf, Andersens Carpet, Ben & Jerry’s and Noodle Box to larger restaurant style operations like Schnitz, Coco Cubano and Taste of Shanghai. Available tenancies range from kiosks to standard retail shops, restaurants and larger format retail spaces.
Becoming a Gateway franchisee
With so many franchises – both large and small – operating successfully at Gateway Shopping Centre, there are inevitably many avenues and application processes for becoming a franchisee.
“The application process for each franchisor may differ,” explains Grant. “Generally, there will be set up costs for the franchise and the franchisor will undertake a review of the potential franchisee based on experience and financial position.
“The franchisor will need to negotiate a suitable lease with the shopping centre owner. Depending on the process required by the franchisor, the lease may be held by the franchisee or franchisor.”
If you’re thinking about operating a franchise at Gateway Shopping Centre, Grant offers the following advice: “Do your due diligence and make sure that you are entering into a franchise partnership that is supportive and productive with a good training regime.”
Take the next step
Don’t miss your chance to become a part of the Gateway success story. To learn more about the Gateway Shopping Centre experience, watch the introductory video: https://youtu.be/_bjZJCsVATo or visit the Gateway website: Gatewaynt.com.au
And, to learn more about franchising opportunities available, contact Grant Isaacs on 0414 461 071 or email grant@coombesgroup.com.au