Shopping in a big city can be overwhelming; bustling through sprawling shopping centres, with so many options, it can seem like there is so little time. But it doesn’t have to be a stressful affair, this guide will take you through everything you need to know for a successful shopping trip in Melbourne.
Melbourne is the destination for fashion and luxury shopping in Australia. Combined with its rich cultural history and vibrant, artistic sights, it is the ideal place to refresh and upgrade your wardrobe.
In this guide, we’ll explore Melbourne’s most iconic shopping destinations and hidden gems for luxury finds, alongside helpful tips to navigate Melbourne’s retail landscape.
Iconic Shopping Spots in Melbourne
Melbourne is home to some iconic shopping centres, both in the CBD and the suburbs.
Melbourne Central
Melbourne Central is renowned for catering to a wide range of desires. It's an easily accessible destination, placing shoppers in the centre of Melbourne’s city and retail scene.
With over 300 retailers, Melbourne Central has something for everyone. Beyond shopping, there are iconic sights including the shot tower, glass dome, and other pieces of Melbourne history. Visitors are encouraged to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the historical monuments on display.
Emporium Melbourne
Emporium Melbourne delivers a luxurious experience, perfect for those seeking high-end brands and Australian designers. Located in the city centre, and connected to Melbourne Central, the Emporium offers convenient access to a range of nearby retail shops and hospitality venues, including Bourke Street Mall.
Chadstone Shopping Centre
Just outside of the city centre in Malvern East, Chadstone is the largest shopping centre in Australia. Known as the ‘Fashion Capital’, Chadstone can provide you with a unique experience, offering a vast selection of homeware shops, high-end fashion, Australian and international brands.
For those needing a retail therapy break, Chadstone offers numerous entertainment options to keep you occupied, including cinemas, fine dining, bowling, and arcade games. It is not only a shopping destination, but an all-round immersive experience.
Where to Shop Melbourne Souvenirs and Unique Finds
When it comes to souvenir shopping, there are plenty of stores scattered throughout the city, but you won’t find much better than Queen Vic Market.
Queen Victoria Market
On the edge of Melbourne City, Queen Victoria Market, provides a classic Melbournian shopping experience. The Market officially opened in 1878, making it a true Melbourne institution. It’s known for its fresh-grown produce, artisan cheese, souvenirs, and handcrafted goods, and is a must-visit for both tourists and locals.
Indie Boutiques, Vintage Stores, And Op Shopping
Melbourne is often celebrated for its unique style, best seen in its variety of indie boutiques and vintage stores. These are ideal destinations to discover unique pieces at affordable prices.
Vintage Sole
Located within the city, Vintage Sole transports you back in time, with street footwear and accessories from decades gone. Retro sneakers, high heels, and boots are carefully handpicked and styled to fit the store's vibe, making it a shopping experience that customers will love.
Hunter Gatherer
A warm op shop located in Fitzroy, Hunter Gatherer is the perfect place to find something unique and daring. This boutique offers a well-loved collection of clothes that are timeless and speak for themselves, and features chic jewellery and eye-catching accessories.
RetroStar
RetroStar offers a range of secondhand finds with an array of nostalgic, colourful accessories and clothing. From quirky dresses to statement sunglasses, RetroStar appeals to all shoppers, regardless of style preferences. Embrace an infinite mixture of fun and individuality into your daily wear.
Out of the Closet
For those in search of a hidden gem, Out of the Closet is a basement treasure trove offering vinyl, regularly updated vintage clothing, and an affordable selection of other items. The environment is known for providing a calm and relaxing feel to each customer, ensuring they feel at home while they shop.
Vault
Vault is owned by the National Trust of Australia; nestled inside the Block Arcade, shoppers can fill their wardrobe with designer couture and high-end fashion pieces. Exuding elegance, Vault provides an opportunity for supporting sustainability in fashion at affordable prices. This is a popular destination for eco-conscious consumers and high fashion lovers alike.
Salvos Store
Finally, the Salvos Store near Southern cross offers station preloved fashion for a charitable cause. With a wide range of homeware and accessories, friendly staff, and a welcoming environment, it's perfect for pretty much anyone interested in second hand shopping. In addition to picking up some unique finds, customers can take comfort in knowing that they are contributing to a charitable cause — with 100% of profits from Salvos stores supporting the Salvation Army programs. If the city location doesn’t work for you, check out the Salvos website for other locations.
Insights for Shopping in Melbourne
Timing
Melbourne’s retail districts are busy and crowded, so visiting on weekday mornings is recommended to avoid large crowds. If you’re looking for a bargain, consider mid-year and end-of-year sales, particularly in outlet hubs such as DFO South Wharf, where items are regularly marked down by up to 70%.
Parking & Public Transport
For those driving to their shopping destination, there is cheap parking near DFO South Wharf, offering a convenient and cost-effective alternative to other city parking options. If Melbourne traffic is not for you, however, the city offers a Free Tram Zone in the CBD, for a cheap alternative to driving and parking expenses.
Melbourne has a wide range of shopping destinations to choose from. From Chadstone Shopping centre to the Queen Victoria Market, there is a perfect spot for every shopper. Whether you are looking for high-end brands to refresh your wardrobe, or outlet bargains at an affordable price, Melbourne is the city to be in. Ready for a glamorous wardrobe upgrade this summer? Melbourne is waiting.