City Department Stores
There are two major department stores in Melbourne, Myer and David Jones. Both are equally renowned for their extensive range of cosmetics, garments, shoes, homewares and all manner of merchandise. Both have long been considered the height of quality shopping in Melbourne (though recent years have seen opinions of Myer drop drastically due to rude, uninformed staff, and a dirty, disorganised flagship store that has suffered from years of seemingly endless renovation). Pricing is very competitive between the stores, but generally represents good value (with the exception being electronics). Myer has a greater presence in the marketplace, with fifteen stores across Melbourne metropolitan and regional areas, compared to David Jones’ five stores. The flagship stores are located side by side on Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall.
Myer
295 Lonsdale St, CBD
03 9661 1111
http://www.myer.com.au
Myer sells a wide range of high-end clothing, cosmetics, homeware, electronics, and furniture brands. This store, the centrepiece of the franchise, is now in its fourth year of ongoing renovations that constantly sees stock covered in dust, departments moved between floors with no change to signage, and staff who seem generally disinterested, uninformed, and as confused as the customers as to where anything is located.
David Jones
310 Bourke St, CBD
03 9643 2222
http://www.davidjones.com.au
While David Jones sells homewares and electronics, the focus is predominately on high fashion clothing labels. The staff are fashionable, well informed, and eager to help you find the right look and fit, regardless of style. The basement also houses an amazing gourmet delicatessen and grocery store.
Historic Shopping Arcades
The city also has a number of smaller historic shopping arcades that house individual boutiques selling everything from designer clothing to wooden toys to gourmet chocolates. These unique and beautiful arcades make for an interesting shopping experience with architecture and internal features that often rival the draw of the stores and shops they contain.
Melbourne Block Shopping Arcade
282 Collins Street, CBD
03 9654 5244
http://www.melbourne.com.au/block.htm
Located in the heart of Melbourne city centre, the Melbourne Block Shopping Arcade opened in the late 19th century and is one of Melbourne’s most historic shopping malls. Housing a small number of varied shops, the interior of the Melbourne Block Shopping Arcade is stunning and has recently been restored to its original state.
Royal Shopping Arcade
335 Bourke Street Mall, CBD
03 9670 7777
http://www.royalarcade.com.au/
A historic collection of shops united under the classic clockwork that’s been functioning here since 1869. Beautifully decorated with tile and stained glass. An eclectic mix of shops including original home of textiles designer, Douglas and Hope.
Melbourne GPO Building
350 Bourke St, CBD
03 9663 0066
http://www.melbournesgpo.com/
This grand shopping centre is as central as one could possibly get. Residing in the clock-towered building that at one time housed the Grand Post Office, this converted space retains its classical charm and architecture. Home to some very high end outlets, including Harrods of London, this space is usually filled with the prettiest and most stylish people in Melbourne, busying themselves with the purchase of products to make them even more pretty and stylish.
Como Shopping Centre
Toorak Road, South Yarra
03 9825 2299
Melbourne’s Como Shopping Centre is sited in the South Yarra district of Melbourne and is full of designer fashion boutiques and jewelery stores. There is also a popular cinema and a number of tourist attractions nearby. Popular with the moneyed families that have lived in this area for generations.
The Suburban Malls
Most of Melbourne’s outer suburbs have relatively new (or recently renovated) shopping malls or complexes that are big enough to get lost in. Frequented mostly by the exurban residents that live around them, several are well known as shopping destinations by people who live in the city.
Chadstone Shopping Centre
1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone
03 9563 3355
http://www.chadstoneshopping.com.au/index.html
Well known throughout Melbourne, many city dwellers will travel to shop here. A recently completed total renovation has changed this once downtrodden mall into a premiere shopping venue. The massive, modern glass and steel promenade now houses outlets for Louis Vuitton, Prada, Miu Miu, Burberry, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and the only official Apple Store in Victoria.
Eastland Shopping Centre
171-175 Maroondah Highway, Ringwood
03 9870 8377
http://www.eastland.com.au/
Eastland Shopping Centre is situated on the outskirts of Melbourne and features almost 200 different shops and department stores. There is also a vast car parking area and a number of large supermarkets.
Forest Hill Chase Shopping Centre
270 Canterbury Road, Forest Hill
03 9878 7111
This shopping centre features a large selection of shops including a supermarket, a Myer Department Store, and specialty shops. Other attractions include a play area for young children and a cinema.
Highpoint Shopping Mall
120-200 Rosamond Road, Maribyrnong
03 9318 1699
http://www.highpoint.com.au/
Highpoint Shopping Mall is not-so-lovingly referred to by some as “Knifepoint”, as shopping amongst the unwashed masses that frequent this depressing, dimly lit, sprawling, disorientating mall can be an excruciating experience. Home to a branch of the Myer Department Store chain, and a massive Border’s Bookstore, there’s little reason to visit this mall unless you live nearby or need something specific from one of its 500 shops.
Jam Factory Shopping Centre
500 Chapel Street, South Yarra
03 9826 0537
http://www.thejamfactory.com.au/
The Jam Factory Shopping Centre can be found in the South Yarra area of Melbourne and is one Melbourne’s smaller shopping centres. With a good selection of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, the major attractions at Melbourne’s Jam Factory Shopping Centre are the large cinema, ample parking (which is rare in this area), and amusement arcade.
Northland Shopping Centre
2 Murray Road, Preston
03 9478 1399
http://www.northlandshopping.com.au/
Located on the outskirts of Melbourne, the Northland Shopping Centre provides an almost overwhelming shopping experience, with more than 200 shops and departments stores. Other attractions at Melbourne’s vast Northland Shopping Centre include a food court and popular cinema.
