the Brookfield Place development and a sign that the CBD is reawakening,” said Carl Schibrowski, executive vice president and co-head of Brookfield Properties. “Sydneysiders have really missed the ability to connect – with eating out, shopping and catching up with friends all topping the wish list. We’re excited to be able to offer a great lineup of new experiences for workers and tourists returning to the city.” Locali by Romeo’s opens second store Brookfield Place Sydney is home to the second Locali by Romeo’s store, a premium grocery concept that debuted at 388 George Street, Sydney earlier this year. Located on the lower concourse, the store delivers a market-style experience centred around fresh produce.  With a walk-in cheese room, fresh butcher and dry ageing room, fishmonger, Italian bakery and continental delicatessen, Locali has been designed to provide a sensory in-store experience that draws in commuters.   “As you walk in, you have the freshness of the produce, as you move around you can smell the fresh bakery and the chickens cooking, you walk through the cheese room, then you get the smell of pizza at the dine-in restaurant… as you leave, the last thing you see is the florist, and that’s the aroma you [smell] when you walk out,” Romeo Retail Group Director Joseph Romeo explained.  The store harks back to a time when shoppers would pick up their groceries at numerous independent retailers rather than in one fell swoop at the supermarket. Locali aims to tap into this demand for local produce by bringing it all together under the one roof. “There’s a big push of people wanting to support local, and as a family business, we’ve always supported local farmers and producers. You’ll find that [it] has a big influence on the products in this store,” Romeo said.  While there’s no doubt that Locali offers a premium shopping experience, Romeo has been careful to balance it with affordable items to avoid alienating value-conscious customers.  “Premiumisation of stores and products is definitely in demand and it’s going to continue to grow. The pandemic has changed where customers shop but not necessarily what they want,” he said.  “People are still looking for something different, unique and premium, but that doesn’t suit all, hence why we are still part of the IGA family. In our grocery department, you’ll find the everyday value products that an IGA traditionally has.” Locali’s location appeals to time-poor commuters who only have 15-20 minutes to grab their shopping on the way to or from work. But the dine-in restaurant attracts those that have more time to spare and don’t wish to cook at home.  “If you don’t want to go home and cook, you can dine in and have a meal for breakfast, lunch or an early dinner. The people who dine in can then find that cut of meat or that particular pasta that they’ve just had also available in the store,” Romeo said.  Sydney’s lockdown was very challenging for the Locali business, but Romeo said they were fortunate to be able to relocate much of the staff to stores in suburban areas. He is optimistic that CBD foot traffic will continue to improve with time.  “We’re seeing people wanting to come back to the city. We’ve noticed a really good increase in foot traffic in just three weeks. It’s not where we want it to be, but we’re definitely seeing light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.  Foodie experience Also on the lower concourse at Brookfield Place, dine-in options include Sushi Yuzen and unique ‘sushi-burger’ restaurant Gojima, which offers fried chicken, fries, frozen custard and cold beverages. A new concept store by ST Group featuring NeNe Chicken, Papparich, Hokkaido Cheese Tarts and dessert chain KURIMU will also open in stages. NeNe Chicken, a Korean Fried Chicken restaurant that originated in South Korea, has over 1300 outlets worldwide but this will be the first in Sydney CBD.  The Menzies Bar has opened at the refurbished Shell House on Carrington Street, and The Sky Bar, The Clock Tower and Shell House Dining Room and Terrace are set to open in the coming weeks as part of a new rooftop experience.