I’ve lived in Melbourne almost all of my life, which means most of my fondest memories were made in those little hole-in-the-wall restaurants that line the wacky CBD laneways, or at Chinatown where BYO bevs and many a bowl of dumplings were consumed. And it’s funny because no matter how far I seem to stray from home, I always find myself comparing the skyscrapers and nightlife elsewhere to how much they remind me of this beautiful city.
While it’s very much a place anyone can enjoy — offering the best of the best when it comes to bars, clubs, restaurants, art, and of course, coffee (totally unbiased, clearly) — one of my favourite things to do here is shop. I’m a fashion girlie, what can I say?
Kitted out with epic consignment stores, local designers, vintage and thrift warehouses, small markets as well as all your fave global retailers on every second corner, I swear to God y’all, this place is a treasure trove for anyone who wants to get down n’ dirty with some retail therapy.
On that note, for all you shopping lovers out there waiting with bated breath to hear what sales are on the table — you’re in for the biggest treat this May 5th to 7th because the City of Melbourne is hosting its annual ‘Shop The City’ event where a bunch of retailers will be slashing major dosh off their goods. This includes brands like búl and Anaca Studio offering 20% off selected styles and Nique offering a free locally designed tee when you spend $250. You can suss the extensive list of participating stores here.
But outside of that, you’ll be treated to cheeky pop-up giveaway carts at shopping hotspots around the city if ya fancy a coupla freebies and prizes — think doughnuts and pastries or bonus gift cards to put towards your shopping spree – for free. All you gotta do is turn up.
To sweeten the deal (as if you needed anymore convincing at this point), at these giveaway sites, there’ll be a QR code to scan which could see you win a neato stay at one of Melbourne’s luxurious hotels, cop retail gift cards, dining/drink vouchers and more. So, the more locations you hit up, the more chances you have to get your mitts on a cheeky prize.
After you’ve shopped your lil heart out, visit the Concierge Hub in Bourke Street Mall and flash your receipts to instantly win a prize from the locker wall. A little birdie told me they’ll be handing out gift vouchers, MOR make-up, Go-To Skincare, drinks from Remedy, Naked Life and San Pellegrino, and more. Plus, you’ll be treated to pop-up performances from local artists.
For all you folk who live interstate, what can I say? I think it’s time to get your butt on a plane RN. Spend the day or spend the weekend (Next Hotel is offering 20% off stays during Shop the City and Movenpick is offering a $50 shopping voucher for any room booked from May 5 to 7). Alternatively, just move to the superior city altogether — the choice is yours, bestie.
While you’re here, it’d be rude to have a super sale event and not throw in some discounts on food and drink. You can score 20% off gin, whisky, vodka and rum bottles at Fosseys Distillery, 2-for-1 pizza or pasta at Vapiano, a dozen oysters and two cocktails for $55 between 12-3pm at Transit Rooftop Bar and a 20% off voucher for the first 50 people each day at Chatime Melbourne Central. Pretty good, huh?
Visit What’s On Melbourne for more details here, otherwise I guess I’ll catch ya there?
