Melbourne Shopping
Melbourne is essentially a 24*7 shopping mall. Shopping hours here range from (to 5.30 on weekdays and a little late than 9 to a little early than 5 during the weekends. These timings are strictly followed here, but there are some special 24 hour shopping malls also here, along the riverside area. Alcohol purchase is always under scrutiny and alcohol shops close at 10 and one needs to be strictly above 18 to buy OR drink! Some alcohol shops around the Chapel and Lygon streets are opened throughout the night though.
Melbourne is also known as the "fashion capital of Australia", and therefore, one can find ample designer houses including Louis vuitton, lined up along the famous Collin Street. If high end clothing doesn't suit your pocket, then you may like to the Brunswick Street or the Chapel Street, where some of the lesser known designers and brands have their outlets, selling a mix of retro, sports and ethnic wear. Melbourne is one stop shop for all your fashion needs and accessories. If you are a mall lover, the Melbourne Central Mall and the Bourke Street Mall boast of some really good stores and shopping centers. If you can bargain well, then the DFO shopping mall, just around the corner at the Spencer Street is the perfect place for you.
Another place to buy stuff directly from the warehouse, which is available at almost half the retail price (well, if you can bargain, of course), is the Bridge road, a strip in Richmond. This place is famous among the locals, and they say here "if you gotta get it cheap, come to Richmond". Chapel Street in the Yarra district is also a hub of shopping activity, especially during the weekends as it offers good eating places, cafes, boutiques and retail stores, all at one place. Some other areas where good shopping malls and spaces exist are the Ringtown, Down caster shopping town and Know city. Some particular items, such as bridal shopping and bridal gowns, dresses, jwelleries and other accessories are available exclusively at the High Street in Armadale. This place is famous the World over for the variety on display here.