Brisbane's CBD is slowly coming back to life but retailers say there is much more governments could be doing to encourage customers to return to bricks and mortar stores.
National Retail Association CEO Dominique Lamb said any initiative aimed at getting consumers back into stores, such as the free street parking offered by Brisbane City Council this month, was welcomed.
Workers and shoppers can park for free in metered street parks, and King George Square and Wickham Terrace car park fees have been slashed by 50 per cent until February 28.
Brisbane City Council figures showed foot traffic increased by 8 per cent in the Queen Street Mall over the first week of the program.
But Ms Lamb said the government needed to be more vocal in letting the public know it was safe to head back to city and suburban shopping centres.
She also called for less-restrictive isolation rules for all industries.
"But there is a need for the flexible isolation rules for close contacts that are already in place for some industries to be extended to retail and hospitality.
"Stores have successfully adapted to our situation, creating the safest experience possible, yet many customers still feel confused.
Retail's mixed bag of fortunes
The slump in retail was echoed in Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland's December quarter Pulse Report, which revealed business confidence was at its lowest in almost two years.
CCIQ policy and advocacy general manager Amanda Rohan said more work was needed around hosting events which would draw people back into major CBD areas.
In a positive observation, Ms Rohan said suburban shopping centres had reported an "uplift" in trade due to people working from home and staying and shopping locally.
Calls for government clarity
Queensland Health referred ABC to previous statements made by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk when asked if any assurances could be given to businesses struggling with COVID restrictions.
On February 10, Ms Palaszczuk said mask and vaccine mandates would be reviewed at the end of February, after the Omicron wave peaked.
Three days earlier she also removed the need to check-in at most premises in the state.
A Queensland Health spokesman also said the department could not comment on future policies, or on when or if future changes would be communicated to the public.
Free and discounted parking was a "fantastic start" to attracting people back to the city, according to Brisbane Junior Chamber of Commerce president Lois Penney.
But she echoed the NRA in calling for "clarity and commitment" over reopening plans from the state government.
Ms Penney also voiced concern about the impact of evolving developments in the city.
"It will be important to showcase the many other amazing businesses in the CBD available to consumers during that time period to avoid losing even more consumers."
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner hoped the state government would "step up and play a part in helping to restore confidence and attract customers".
