The strip once lauded as Melbourne’s premier shopping area has hit struggle street.



Chapel Street, South Yarra, has at least 22 stores with "For lease" signs between Toorak and Commercial roads.

Retail sources say dwindling foot traffic – down at least 30 per cent over the past six months – and rents of up to $200,000 a year have led to a growing and unprecedented number of ghost stores along the strip.

Shoppers on Chapel Street. Credit:Jessica Shapiro

Retailers are also being stretched between the revamped Chadstone and the new Emporium precinct in the city, which officially opens on August 20.

Luxury bag brand Oroton is the latest high-profile retailer, following celebrity Australia fashion designer Wayne Cooper, to vacate Chapel Street, closing its doors a fortnight ago.