In common with other global cities, Melbourne has experienced a period of increased investment, retail growth and an explosion of retail-led creativity over the past three years.
Melbourne's central city area has a distinctive retail character, with small retailers and boutiques dotting its network of laneways. More recently, a number of new international label stores and high-street brands have opened in the city, enhancing Melbourne’s retail diversity. Key retail areas include fashion, food and wine, entertainment-related retailing, department stores and personal services. Even other Australians come to Melbourne to shop for designer clothes and to visit the historic 19th century Queen Victoria Market.
Over the past six years Melbourne has seen major devleopment across the retail sector, from the redevelopment of department store icons David Jones and Myer to the arrival of Costco in Docklands, Zara in Bourke Street Mall and both Gap and the first Converse flagship store in Melbourne Central.
Collins Street continues to attract major international brands, and has an ambience unlike any other in the city. Often referred to as the 'Paris end' of Collins Street, the stylish buildings now frame stylish stores such as Prada, Ferragamo, Paspaley Pearls and Louis Vuitton.
Melbourne’s dynamic retail mix continues to flourish, with new boutique stores popping up in reclaimed laneways such as local menswear label Clemente Talarico in Russell Place, alongside FAT, Pieces of Eight and Roy Christou’s new fashion store Honor Among Thieves.
Vertical retail offerings provide an element of a hidden surprise throughout the city. Carlow House's made-to-measure mens' suits from Vogue and Jackson and mens accessories at Lord Coconut, to name a couple.
The Nicholas Building, another icon of grand stature in Melbourne, hosts many local designers and experiences.
At the other end of the spectrum, a new Direct Factory Outlet (DFO) superstore has recently opened at South Wharf.
Craft producers sell hand-made goods at a maker's market held every Sunday on the banks of the Yarra River beneath the Arts Centre.
Research
Accessibility
You can make your business more accessible to all. Download the accessibility checklist now.
Retail accessibility checklist (PDF, 110kb)
Retail accessibility checklist (Text only, 110kb)
For more information about accessibility for your business, see Good Access is Good Business.