For mom-and-pop shops and eateries, the combination of online shopping, economic uncertainty, rising rents, and the expansion of big shopping centres can be fatal.
While community safety is the most essential element in determining whether or not individuals are happy where they live, a PwC poll of 4612 Victorians revealed that access to local amenities, particularly stores, was the second most important factor.
Nearly half of respondents were unhappy with the quality of nearby entertainment options, especially in the suburbs and remote areas Melbourne suburbs — with lack of shops, issues with entertainment options and other things to do.
As part of a plan to revitalise some of Melbourne's most recognisable shopping strips, business owners and local governments announced in August that they would be adding parking, fun activities, and the promotion of a tax on storefront vacancies as a means of punishing landlords who fail to reduce prices in order to attract customers.
However, the president of the retail think tank Image is converted Australia claims that many Melbourne shopping districts are thriving.
FAQs About Melbourne
Victoria's capital Melbourne deserves its reputation as the fashion and style capital of Australia, with an unrivalled collection of boutiques that merge the high-end with the avant-garde.
Numerous fashion places in Melbourne would grab your attention. We have come up with a Melbourne shopping guide which includes everything from shopping streets in Melbourne to shopping in Melbourne factory outlets and more:
- Bourke Street Mall: Experience The Finest Architecture
- Queen Victoria Market: Define You Fashion Style
- Chadstone Shopping Center: Shopping Place For All Ages
- Melbourne Emporium: Explore International Brands
- Chapel Street: An Ideal Place for Shopaholics
- Direct Factory Outlet South Wharf (DFO): Brands From 120 Factory Outlets
- Melbourne Central: A New Look To Your Wardrobe
- Collins Street: Experience Most Expensive Brands
- Brunswick Street: A Satisfactory Shopping Stop
- The Rose Street Market: A Marketplace For Handmade Things
- Block Arcade: For Sweet Cravings People
- Bridge Road: A Rich Cultural Heritage
- Flinders Lane: Exceptional Combination of Culture And Texture
- Toorak Road: Perfect Destination for Luxury Shopping
- Fountain Gate Westfield: The Fancystore
- St Kilda Esplanade Market: Place You Must Visit
- The District Docklands: One-stop Solution For Shopping
- Brunswick and Smith Streets: Perfect Marketplace For Shopping
- Sydney Road: Experience Hassle-free Shopping
Bunnings has won the top spot as Australia's most beloved retailer for 2021, a new report has revealed. According to Power Retail's latest e-Commerce Playbook report, the national hardware chain pipped Woolies first, with the supermarket giant winning the silver medal.
Bunnings rose to the top of the pack as people spent more time at home and sought to upgrade their living space.
Not only that, but the chain store is also a major supplier to builders, commercial tradies and the housing industry, the report noted.
Melbourne city stores will soon open at 7 pm from Sunday to Thursday in a joint agreement between retailers. Late-night trading will continue on Thursdays and Fridays when shops are open until 9 pm.
Shopping Tours
A guided shopping trip is the greatest alternative if you don't feel like finding your way to all the best stores in the city on your own. Finding discounts and browsing the wares of well-known brands is easy when you browse at outlet malls.
CBD
Bourke Street Mall
Location Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Both the Myer and the David Jones department stores are enormous, and they both include cafes and other places to dine inside if you need a break from shopping.
There are other great arcades and blocks off of Bourke Street Mall as well. It is recommended to check the websites of the stores you plan to visit to confirm their trading hours.
The GPO in Melbourne, a historical post office become shopping district, is reachable through Bourke Street Mall. Melbourne's GPO is a small but worthwhile shopping arcade, home to a variety of stores and boutiques such as the well-known Swedish clothing retailer H&M, the Australian jewellery and tailoring shops Larson Jewelries and Altered and Tailored, and the versatile event space Alto Events Space, which is frequently rented out for special occasions.
Trading Hours
- Monday to Thursday: 10am - 6pm
- Friday: 10am - 8am
- Saturday: 10am - 6pm
- Sunday: 11am - 5pm
The Block Arcade
Location 282 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
The Block Arcade, a historic mall in the Central Business District, is a landmark in its own right. The Arcade's mosaic tile floor and glass roof are architectural marvels in themselves. Architecturally and decoratively, it is a marvel of the 19th century.
Retailers like Crabtree & Evelyn, Wittner Shoes, Australian By Design, and Haigh's Chocolates can be found here, among many others.
Trading Hours
- Monday to Thursday: 8am - 6pm
- Friday: 8am - 8pm
- Saturday: 8am - 5pm
- Sunday: 9am - 5pm
Melbourne Central
Location 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne CBD
Many popular clothing and shoe labels may be found here, including Bardot, Coco, Dunlop, Back Roads, Toe Locker, Gucci, Mimco, Jordan, Rb Williams, and Rebel Sports.
In addition to well-known names like MAC and Sephora, beauty supply stores stock products from a wide variety of brands, including the more obscure Napoleon Perdis, Priceline, and Mecca Maxima. The Strike Bowling Bar and a Hoyts movie theatre may also be found in the complex. The Melbourne Central station is easily accessible by public transit, and there is paid parking available in the CBD.
Trading Hours
- Monday to Wednesday: 10 am - 7 pm
- Thursday and Friday: 10 am - 9 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am - 7pm
Queen Victoria Village (QV)
Location 282 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
QV is one of the most popular precincts in Melbourne Commercial and retail hub; CBD. QV is a large shopping centre at the intersection of Lonsdale and Swanston streets in the Central Business District. It is home to many different types of retailers, from discount department stores to speciality boutiques. You can get practically everything you need at this one mall, which has more than 120 different retailers.
Trading Hours
- Monday to Thursday: 10am - 7pm
- Friday: 10am - 9pm
- Saturday: 10am - 6pm
- Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Target Centre
Location 222 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
Target, City Chic, Novo Shoe, Creelman's Pharmacy, Vintage Cellars, and Mister Minit are just some of the stores you'll find at Target Centre, a modest arcade just off Bourke Street. Target Centre can be found directly across Ave Street on Bourke Street. Parking lots abound in the area surrounding Target Center.
Trading Hours
- Monday to Friday: 8am - 10pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8 am - 8 pm
Emporium Melbourne
Location 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne CBD
It's geared towards upscale consumers, having stores for a number of well-known foreign labels. The Emporium provides convenient access to Melbourne Central, Myer, and David Jones by linking directly to each of these major shopping centres. Beyond the two major department stores, this is the place to go if you want to find some of the most prestigious designer labels.
A small sampling of the brands available at this location includes Armani Connection, Calvin Klein, Camilla and Marc, Carla Zampatti, Katy Spade, Dion Lee, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Rodd & Gunn, Scanlan Theodore, and White Suede. The actual hub does not have any parking facilities. You can find a few parking garages in the vicinity, though.
Trading Hours
- Monday to Wednesday: 10 am - 7 pm
- Thursday and Friday: 10 am - 9 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am - 7pm
- Public Holidays: 10am - 6pm
Collins 234 Boutique Place
Location 234 Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
Collins Street, in the heart of the city, is home to a variety of unique boutiques. Boutiques such as Mollini, Saba, and Indigo sell clothing, while Dymocks occupies the ground level. You can take the train or tram there, or pay to park at one of the lots close by.
Trading Hours
- Monday to Wednesday: 10am - 6pm
- Thursday: 10am - 7pm
- Friday: 10am - 8pm
- Saturday: 10am - 5pm
- Sunday and Public Holidays: 12pm - 5pm
The Strand
Location 350 Bourke Street, Melbourne CBD
The Strand combines the two worlds of high fashion and high living, with its abundance of high end boutiques, spas, and restaurants. Desigual, Gorman, Nobody Cotton, Midas, Veronika Maine, and Habbot, along with Brow Hypothesis, Australia Post, Dinosaur Designs, and The Bathing Box, are all represented here.
Trading Hours
- Monday to Wednesday: 10am - 6pm
- Thursday and Friday: 10am - 8pm
- Saturday: 10am - 6pm
- Sunday: 11pm - 5pm
Queen Victoria Markets
Location 513 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne CBD
The Queen Victoria Gardens have been operating from the same location for decades, and are widely regarded as the city's cultural epicentre. Known as the largest outdoor market as in Southern Hemisphere, this is the place to grab your daily dose of fresh produce, artisanal bread, meat, seafood, fowl, and wine.
Rows upon rows of apparel, leather products, footwear, tourist trinkets, toys, jewellery, and more can be found in the other sheds. Everyone can find what they're looking for, and then some trip to Melbourne without going to the Queen Victoria Markets. Take a tram or bus towards the adjacent park or marketplace.
Trading Hours
- Monday and Wednesday: CLOSED
- Tuesday and Thursday: Fresh Product 6 am - 2 pm; Specialty Stalls 8 am - 2 pm
- Friday: Fresh Product 6am - 5pm; Specialty Stalls 8am - 3pm
- Saturday: Fresh Produce 6am - 3pm; Specialty Stalls 8am - 3pm
- Sunday: Fresh Produce 9am - 4pm; Specialty Stalls 9am - 4pm
Chadstone
Chadstone Shopping Centre
Location 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone
Chadstone Shopping Centre, in Melbourne's south-east, is one of Australia's largest suburban shopping centres Making it easy to spend a whole day in the centre, Chadstone SC includes some well-known labels that consumers in Australia have come to like.
The likes of Bonds, EB Games, Lorna Jane, RM Williams, Nike, Pandora, and Adidas may be found there with the likes of Myer, David Jones, Gap Apple, Dymocks, Tiffany & Co., Victoria's Secret, JB Hi-Fi, Kmart, and Target.
Plus, tourists to Melbourne can pick up a Tourism Shopping Passport, good for special discounts at a number of downtown businesses. If you are from out of town, state, or country, you are a tourist. The Free Fashion Shuttle departs from Federation Square, but public buses, trains, and parking are also convenient options.
Trading Hours
- Monday to Wednesday: 9am - 5:30pm
- Thursday and Friday: 9am - 9pm
- Saturday: 9am - 6pm
- Sunday: 10am - 5pm
South Wharf
DFO South Wharf (Direct Factory Outlets)
Location 20 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
DFO South Wharf is the place to go for the best outlet purchasing in Melbourne. Featuring over 120 factory outlet stores selling popular brands like Nike, Victoria's Secret, and Victoria's Secret lingerie, as well as Lorna Jane, Mimco, Peter Alexander, Seed, and Victoria's Secret.
You can also find other well-known labels including Calvin Klein Shorts, Cue, M.J. Bale, Sass & Bide, and Adidas. Bed, Bath & Beyond, Nick Scali, and JB Hi-Fi are just a few of the stores that sell household goods and electronics. The downtown area is easily accessible via train, tram, or paid parking.
Trading Hours
- Monday to Thursday: 10am - 6pm
- Friday: 10am - 9pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10am - 6pm
Docklands
Harbour Town Melbourne
Location 440 Docklands Drive, Docklands
Across the river from DFO is Harbour Town Melbourne, another open-air outlet retail centre in Docklands. Costco, Bonds Outlet, Pumpkin Patch, Levi's Outlet, Royal Doulton Outlet, Canterbury, Forever New, and Toy World are just a few of the more than a hundred shops available.
It also has a popular dining and entertainment precinct with Melbourne The central locations of Star, Glow Golf, the O'Brien Group Arena, and Simulator World. You may go to the downtown area or the park for as low as $3 by taking the tram, bus, or train.
Trading Hours
- 7 days a week
- 10am - 6pm
Chapel Street
Chapel Street Precinct
Location 2/27 Izett St, Prahran
One of the most popular shopping districts in Melbourne, Starting in South Yarra, Chapel Street travels through Prahran, St. Kilda East, and finally ends in St. Kilda. Seven distinct areas offer a variety of stores and services along the roadway. Several tram lines converge on Chapel Street, making it easy to get there at any time.
Trading Hours
- Monday to Thursday: 10am - 6pm
- Friday: 10am - 8:30pm
- Saturday: 10am - 6pm
- Sunday: 11am - 5:30pm
Windsor Quarter
There are numerous unique shops and vintage stores along the street, making it a popular destination for those looking for a bargain. Several restaurants and bars in the Windsor Quarter are always bustling, but they're especially popular in the evenings.
South Yarra
Home to THE Chapel Street that everyone has either heard of or been to, this part of Melbourne is one of the most desirable in the city. Fashionistas will be in their element among the many designer boutiques across the price spectrum, and when they need a break from shopping, they can relax with a drink and some food at one of the many nearby cafes.
The Jam Factory>, a renowned shopping centre, can be found just off Chapel Street in South Yarra. There are several places to dine, including Boost Juice and Lindt Chocolate Caf, as well as four apparel stores (Cue, Nine West, Target, and Topshop/Topman), all located in the Jam Factory. Burgers and even some entertainment in the form of the nearby Village and Gold Class theatres.
Greville Village
The area is well-known for its many shops and vintage shops, where you can find a one-of-a-kind piece of clothing or an antique that will stun your friends. There are numerous cafes and pubs located here, making it an ideal spot to kick back, relax, and people-watch.
Yarra Lane
A modern take on the traditional laneways Melbourne Chapel Street has become famous for its trendy and tasty offerings. You can find several on-trend boutiques here. Of course, the refreshments are a major draw. A wide variety of cafes and eateries, such as Brunch Spot, Two Birds One Stone, and Adriano Zumbo, can be found in this area.
Prahran
Prahran's Chapel St is the site of the popular College Street Bazaar, which brings together a number of the area's greatest restaurants and stores. Off the main drag, you'll find some heritage-listed businesses, emporiums, and halls where you can both find a deal and be impressed by the architecture.
Industrial Boulevard
Prahran is the location of the old Prahran Market, where you can find the streets teeming with activity as people buy and sell fresh produce, baked goods, and other things from their trusted merchants for a decent price.
Indulge in the one-of-a-kind ambience that only occurs at mealtimes here. Hungry shoppers and diners flood the sidewalks in search of a bite to eat. A wide variety of foods, from dumplings to kebabs, may be found in the many restaurants here.
Chapel Street North
Chapel Street North is a popular lifestyle centre with a thriving cafe culture, showcasing the best of the best in life. At any meal of the day. Luxury-apartment dwellers can be seen venturing out to scout the best the neighbourhood has to offer. Shoppers and window shoppers will love Chapel Street North.
Prahran Market
Location 163 Commercial Road, South Yarra
Every week, local merchants set up stall at the market, selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to poultry and game to butchery and seafood to delis and organic produce to bakeries and grocery stores and tea stalls and, of course, Mr. Bratwurst and The Falafel Man and Ann's Fish and Chips and Dragon Sushi.
Trading Hours
- Monday: CLOSED
- Tuesday to Saturday: 7 am - 5 pm
- Sunday: 10am - 3pm
Suburbs
South Melbourne Market
Has a wide variety of merchants selling a wide variety of goods, making it one of the top suburban markets in Melbourne. Although substantial in size, it is possible to finish it in a day. It's recommended that you visit on the weekend, specifically Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. At that time, most merchants have already set up shop. They're open on Wednesdays too, though you should only go there for the produce. The convenience of the nearby tram stop off of the Central Business District.
Victoria Gardens
The enclosed mall is located a few miles east of something like the Central Business District, in Richmond, which is easily accessible via Victoria Street. Sure, it's a mall with famous names like Costco and K-Mart, but there are also many of fantastic little shops Melbourne shops. There are several jewellers, a fantastic apparel store, and a lovely bookstore.
Conclusion
It was found in a PwC survey of 4612 Victorians that convenience to local services, in particular shopping, was the second most important consideration in deciding where to settle down. If you don't want to spend the time researching where to find the top shops in the city, a guided shopping excursion is the next best thing. One of the most recognisable buildings in the Central Business District is the Block Arcade. Lonsdale and Swanston streets converge at Queen Victoria Village (QV), a prominent shopping centre. Located off Bourke Street, the Target Centre is a small shopping mall.
The Emporium places you in close proximity to Melbourne Central, Myer, and David Jones. Dymocks is located on the ground floor, and boutiques selling clothing such as Mollini, Saba, and Indigo can be found upstairs. The Strand's profusion of high-end boutiques bridges the gap between the aspirational fashion and lifestyle industries. As one of the largest suburban shopping centres in Australia, Chadstone Shopping Centre serves as a major destination for locals and tourists alike. If you're looking for the best outlet shopping in Melbourne, look no further than DFO South Wharf.
From Federation Square, you may take advantage of the free Fashion Shuttle, as well as buses, trains, and parking. In Melbourne, Chapel Street is among the busiest shopping areas. Along the highway, seven different commercial districts house a wide selection of shops and services. A popular shopping destination in South Yarra, The Jam Factory is conveniently located near Chapel Street. You can find a one-of-a-kind garment in one of the many vintage stores located in Greville Village.
The cafe scene on Chapel Street North makes it a popular destination for those looking for a more relaxed way of life. The bustling College Street Bazaar can be found on Prahran's Chapel St. There are several eateries to choose from, serving everything from dumplings to kebabs. Popular Melbourne suburb markets include Prahran Market, South Melbourne Market, and Victoria Gardens. Victoria Street connects the enclosed mall Victoria Gardens, located a few miles east of what may be called the Central Business District, in Richmond.
Content Summary
- According to a PwC survey of 4612 Victorians, personal safety is the most critical factor in deciding whether or not a person is content in their current residence, but having convenient access to shops and other services is a close second.
- Especially in the outer and more remote Melbourne suburbs, nearly half of respondents were dissatisfied with the quality of surrounding entertainment alternatives due to a lack of shops, problems with entertainment options, and other things to do.
- However, Image's retail think tank president has been won over. According to Australian reports, many Melbourne shopping precincts are doing rather well.
- One of the most recognisable buildings in the Central Business District is the Block Arcade.
- With direct connections to Melbourne Central, Myer, and David Jones, the Emporium makes it easy to get to any of these popular retail destinations.
- South of Chapel Street in Yarra is where you'll find The Jam Factory>, a popular shopping centre.
- An updated version of Melbourne's historic laneways The stylish and delicious restaurants on Chapel Street have gained widespread notoriety.
- The College Street Bazaar, located on Prahran's Chapel St., is a famous shopping and dining destination.
- The best of life can be seen on display along Chapel Street North's bustling cafe scene.
- Chapel Street North is fantastic for shoppers and window shoppers alike.
- In South Yarra, at 163 Commercial Road, is the famous Prahran Market.
- Weekly, local vendors set up shop in the market to offer their wares. You may get anything from fresh produce to meat and seafood to organic goods to baked goods and tea to Mr. Bratwurst and The Falafel Man and Ann's Fish and Chips and Dragon Sushi.
- The enclosed shopping centre may be found in Richmond, just a few miles east of the Central Business District; it is most conveniently accessed from Victoria Street.
