How to Plan a Shopping Spree in Melbourne

 The rumours are not entirely without basis. Melbourne is rather a shopper’s paradise. There is style and ample room for fashion in Melbourne. You can find avant-garde collections at the boutique stores, and enough styles for a wardrobe revamp. This article is a helpful guide to plan your shopping spree in Victoria’s capital.

Wpcpey, Chadstone Shopping Centre Central Atrium 2017, CC BY-SA 4.0

Make a plan

A well-planned shopping spree will help you avoid unnecessary hassle. The shopping spots in our list are mostly close to the CBD. Hence, it makes sense for you to book accommodation in the CBD. Check out some ‘hotel deals Melbourne CBD’ to find an affordable place. You can keep an eye out for seasonal shopping deals and sales before you begin your retail therapy. But remember to be flexible and spontaneous as well.

Shop at the Melbourne city centre

Where can you find luxury stores in Melbourne? Definitely Collins Street is arguably the best option. The street is lined with leafy trees and there are grand buildings scattered along it. You will find international brands in Collins Street and the Emporium Melbourne nearer the city centre. The Emporium is where you can find iconic fashion by emerging Australian designers. Look for Aēsop the skin care brand, women’s fashion and organic cotton and denims from Bassike. Hotels such as the Oaks Melbourne on Market Hotel provide easy access (11 minutes’ drive) to the city centre. The nearby cirt area is filled with eye-catching street art wedged closely between jazz bars and trendy cafés.

Shop at the High Street – Armadale

The inner-city suburbs of Armadale (High Street) present an enticing blend of luxe and casual. The High Street is lined with boutique stores. Armadale is mostly known for its lollipop trees and heritage buildings. Hopping from boutique store to boutique store along the street is a rather relaxing experience. You can browse for deals at Viktoria & Woods, Dion Lee and Camilla and Bec + Bridge. High Street is also home to Diida flagship store. Once you finish shopping you can check out the galleries and cafés.

Shop in Chapel Street

Located in the inner street, about a 15-minute drive from the south-east part of the city centre, Chapel Street is somewhat of a fashion institution. The shopping area runs along South Yarra towards Prahran passing Windsor. It is a large stripe filled with lifestyle stores. You can check out Bromley & Co and Dinosaur Designs. The latter offers resin jewellery and homeware (an edgy collection). The Chapel Street Bazaar is full of vintage finds of rare quality.  Design a Space is a hub scattered with inventive and inspired creations by over 170 independent designers. They offer a range of unique fashion items.

Shop at the Chadstone Shopping Mall

This particular shopping mall is a fashionista’s paradise. You will find over 500 stores including some luxury brands. In fact, there is an entire precinct where you will find luxury brands.  You can also find some Australian fashion labels at the mall. There is the kaftan label Camilla and ready-to-wear clothing and swimwear at Zimmermann’s.

Shop for art in Melbourne

Art makes great gifts and souvenirs. You can buy art from the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) International in St Kilda Road. The NGV offers art by both local and international artists. The NVG hosts a number of fashion-themed exhibitions all year around. Some of the past fashion exhibitions included famous brands such as Christian Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier. The NGV Design Store in Federation Square is dedicated to Australian art. Once you are in Federation Square look for the Koorie Heritage Trust to buy hand-carved didgeridoos by Aboriginal artists, tote bags and even designer t-shirts.