Queensway Shopping Centre, a longtime fixture known for its sports apparel and equipment, continues to operate after nearly 50 years, adapting to changing consumer interests and demographics. While the mall's weathered exterior hints at its age, it now hosts a variety of niche shops, many run by retirees pursuing second careers or hobbies.
Among these entrepreneurs is Maria Ismail, 57, who retired from a corporate role in organisational consulting in 2020. Initially seeking new skills and experiences, Ismail’s plans were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily led her back to the workforce in human resources projects. She later discovered a passion for thrifting while volunteering at a charity shop in Perth. This experience, combined with a 2023 trip to a refugee camp in Iraq with NGO Habibi International, inspired her to open Uptfrift, a store selling second-hand goods and crafts by refugee artisans. Proceeds from Ismail’s shop support scholarships for Yazidi refugees pursuing medical and pharmacy studies under Habibi International’s Higher Education Scholarship Programme.
Ismail’s store, located in Queensway Shopping Centre since July 2026, also shares space with Simply R&J, owned by Regina Lim, a 52-year-old former accountant who creates homewares from upcycled crockery. The two, along with several other retirees, have formed a supportive community within the mall, maintaining a directory of hobby and specialty businesses to raise awareness of their presence amid the traditional sporting goods retailers.
Another retiree-turned-entrepreneur is 56-year-old Stephen Fung, who opened Kalibak’s Kave in 2023. A former merchandising manager with extensive experience in book retail, Fung channels his lifelong love of comics into his shop that specializes in vintage comic books dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. To broaden appeal, the store has expanded its offerings to include collectible toys and new comic releases, with stock regularly imported from the United States. Despite concerns about Queensway’s limited accessibility and its established focus on sports retail, Fung reports steady business growth and maintains a loyal customer base ranging from teenagers to middle-aged collectors.
For Fung, the transition from hobbyist collector to retailer has brought new satisfaction through engaging directly with customers discovering comics for the first time. He views his role as fostering a tactile reading experience for younger generations increasingly absorbed in digital devices.
Meanwhile, 79-year-old Frank Chen, a leatherworker by trade, experienced a different post-retirement journey. After leaving a 30-year career in leathercraft in 2007, Chen initially embraced a leisurely lifestyle of golf and socializing. However, after several years, he sought to return to work that was more fulfilling, illustrating the varied motivations driving retirees to reenter the workforce or start new ventures.
Queensway Shopping Centre’s evolving tenant mix reflects broader trends of retired professionals seeking meaningful engagement through small businesses. While the mall faces challenges from its aging physical infrastructure and shifting retail landscape, the presence of these specialty shops contributes to its continued relevance as a community hub.