Shopping in Melbourne: A Guide to What to Buy and Where to Find It
Melbourne is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from high-end boutiques to quirky markets and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, fashion, or homewares, you’re sure to find it in Melbourne.
Where to Shop in Melbourne
Melbourne has several key shopping districts, each with its unique atmosphere.
- The CBD: The central business district is home to major department stores, flagship stores, and luxury boutiques.
- South Yarra: This trendy neighborhood is known for its high-end boutiques, designer showrooms, and art galleries.
- Fitzroy: This bohemian suburb is home to independent boutiques, vintage stores, and quirky cafes.
- St. Kilda: This seaside suburb is known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, cafes, and bars.
What to Buy in Melbourne
Souvenirs
- Australian souvenirs: Boomerangs, koala bears, didgeridoos, and other iconic Australian souvenirs can be found in tourist shops throughout the city.
- Indigenous souvenirs: Aboriginal art, jewelry, and homewares are a unique and meaningful way to remember your trip to Melbourne.
Fashion
- Australian fashion brands: Melbourne is home to several world-renowned fashion brands, such as Zimmerman, Dion Lee, and Bassike.
- International fashion brands: Major international fashion brands, such as Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo, also have stores in Melbourne.
- Vintage fashion: Fitzroy and St. Kilda are great places to find vintage clothing and accessories.
Homewares
- Australian homewares: Australian designers are known for their unique and stylish homewares. Look for pieces made from natural materials, such as wood, leather, and wool.
- International homewares: Melbourne also has a wide range of international homewares stores, such as IKEA, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel.
- Local homewares: Independent boutiques and markets are great places to find unique and one-of-a-kind homewares made by local artists.
Food and Drink
- Australian food and drink: Melbourne is a food and drink lover’s paradise. Be sure to try local specialties, such as coffee, wine, and cheese.
- International food and drink: Melbourne is also home to a wide range of international cuisine. You can find everything from Italian to Japanese to Vietnamese food in Melbourne.
Tips for Shopping in Melbourne
- Take advantage of the sales: Melbourne has regular sales, so it’s worth waiting until one is on before making major purchases.
- Shop around: Don’t be afraid to compare prices at different stores before making a purchase.
- Ask for help: The staff at Melbourne stores are generally very helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask for advice or assistance.
- Be prepared to pay GST: Goods and services tax (GST) is a 10% tax that is applied to most goods and services in Australia.
Must-Buy Items in Melbourne
Here are a few of the must-buy items in Melbourne:
- Australian opal: Australia is the world’s largest producer of opals, and Melbourne is a great place to find these beautiful gemstones.
- Australian shearling: Australian sheepskin is known for its quality and warmth. Be sure to pick up a piece of shearling clothing or a rug while you’re in Melbourne.
- Australian wine: Australia is one of the world’s leading wine producers. Be sure to sample some of the local wines while you’re in Melbourne.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping in Melbourne
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when shopping in Melbourne:
- Don’t overspend: It’s easy to get carried away when shopping in Melbourne. Be sure to set a budget before you start shopping and stick to it.
- Don’t buy souvenirs that you won’t use: Be sure to only buy souvenirs that you will actually use or display. Otherwise, they will just end up gathering dust in your closet.
- Don’t buy things that you can’t afford: It’s tempting to buy things that you can’t afford, especially when they’re on sale. However, it’s important to remember that you will eventually have to pay for these items.
Why Shopping in Melbourne Matters
Shopping in Melbourne is more than just a way to buy things. It’s also a way to experience the city’s culture and lifestyle. By shopping in Melbourne, you can support local businesses and get a taste of the city’s unique style.
Benefits of Shopping in Melbourne
There are many benefits to shopping in Melbourne, including:
- You can find unique and stylish items that you won’t find anywhere else.
- You can support local businesses and the local economy.
- You can experience the city’s culture and lifestyle.
- You can get a taste of the city’s unique style.
Conclusion
Melbourne is a shopper’s paradise, with everything from high-end boutiques to quirky markets and everything in between. By following the tips in this guide, you can find the best deals and avoid the common mistakes. So what are you waiting for? Start shopping today!
Tables
Table 1: Shopping Districts in Melbourne
| District | Atmosphere | Major Stores |
|---|---|---|
| CBD | Bustling, cosmopolitan | David Jones, Myer, Zara |
| South Yarra | Trendy, upscale | Zimmerman, Dion Lee, Bassike |
| Fitzroy | Bohemian, independent | Vintage stores, art galleries, cafes |
| St. Kilda | Eclectic, seaside | Boutiques, cafes, bars |
Table 2: Souvenirs to Buy in Melbourne
| Souvenir | Description | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Boomerang | A traditional Aboriginal hunting weapon | Tourist shops, souvenir stores |
| Koala bear | A stuffed animal depicting the iconic Australian marsupial | Tourist shops, souvenir stores |
| Didgeridoo | A traditional Aboriginal wind instrument | Tourist shops, souvenir stores |
| Aboriginal art | Paintings, sculptures, and other works of art by Aboriginal artists | Indigenous art galleries, museums |
Table 3: Fashion to Buy in Melbourne
| Brand | Style | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Zimmerman | Feminine, elegant | David Jones, Myer |
| Dion Lee | Contemporary, edgy | South Yarra boutiques |
| Bassike | Minimalist, sustainable | Fitzroy boutiques |
| Zara | Fast fashion, trendy | CBD, South Yarra |
| H&M | Fast fashion, affordable | CBD, South Yarra |
Table 4: Homewares to Buy in Melbourne
| Brand | Style | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Dinosaur Designs | Unique, resin homewares | CBD, South Yarra |
| Freedom | Modern, stylish homewares | CBD, South Yarra |
| IKEA | Affordable, self-assembly furniture | North Melbourne, Springvale |
| Pottery Barn | American-style homewares | Chadstone Shopping Centre |
