From the latest in homewares to can’t-put-down-able books and trendy treats for pets, the South Melbourne area has a lot to offer the avid shopper.
Between the suburbs of Port Melbourne, South Melbourne and Albert Park the wallet can get a real workout – and that is without venturing into the CBD and all of its temptations!
With a focus on shopping local to support retailers impacted by the pandemic, let’s take a look at some of the area’s top local shops. And remember, for every dollar you spend locally, you’re helping to keep locals employed – whether they’re working at an independent store or a larger retail group.
Turn the page at your local bookseller
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one,” said George RR Martin and we couldn’t agree more. Travel to exotic locations (even while borders are closed), be thrilled by a great true crime read or inspired by a biography. Browsing the bookstore on a Saturday or Sunday morning after brunch is what life is about. And the best feature of the local book sellers…they allow you to bring your dog in for company!
Coventry Bookstore, 265 Coventry Street, South Melbourne
Avenue Bookstore, 127 Dundas Place, Albert Park
DFO South Wharf
Spruce up your home
Although great style never goes out of fashion, home décor can do with an update – particularly if lockdown had you sick of the sight of your home. Nab yourself a bargain over at DFO South Wharf’s array of home stores including Adairs, Freedom and Snooze. Or if you prefer the independents, Coventry Street in South Melbourne is where to head. Colourful home accents and even the odd game can be found at Pomegranate while Vincent offers Scandanavian-style furniture and décor. If it’s crockery you need, Made in Japan has a treasure trove of stunning plates and dishes, while the ever-reliable (and bargain basement) Chef’s Hat has everything your kitchen could possibly need.
DFO South Wharf, 20 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
Pomegranate, 251 Coventry Street, South Melbourne
Vincent, 269 Coventry Street, South Melbourne
Chef’s Hat, 131 Cecil Street, South Melbourne
Made in Japan, 1-7 Wynyard St, South Melbourne
The Pet Grocer
Pamper your pet
We can’t forget our four-legged friends when it comes to hitting the High Street, and like any good neighbourhood the local area has our feline and canine brothers and sisters sorted. As pets have become influencers in their own right in recent years, the humble lead and beat-up dog jumper has had an upgrade – and as such we would suggest if you want to fit into pet-mad CBD South, your pup might need a fashion update...! Thankfully Yap Wear in Albert Park and Murphy’s in Port Melbourne has our furry friends sorted, with an array of trendy collars and cool coats for the winter months. But beauty starts on the inside, so be sure to visit The Pet Grocer for high quality nutritional, holistic pet food too!
Yap Wear, 61 Cardigan Place, Albert Park
Murphy’s Paw Dog Grooming and Pet Supplies, 399/401 Bay Street, Port Melbourne
The Pet Grocer, 249 Coventry Street, South Melbourne, with a stall at South Melbourne Market too
