Melbourne Shopping, VICTORIA
Airing Date: May 29th, 2006
The world of bargain shopping can be overwhelming for some - and others, like me, just stumble across a discount by accident and think 'woo-hoo, got a bargain'!!
But if you're a serious shopper then you can save hundreds of dollars - if you know where to look. If you're looking for brands at discount prices Melbourne has discount shops to cater for everyone's style and wallet. You've got your DFO shopping outlets - but, they're all pretty much the same these days; and sometimes you need to let your fingers do the walking to get some really fantastic individual bargains. And this is where Pamm Durkin comes in! Pamm is the country's discount guide guru and knows where the best bargains are. She really is the pioneer of the factory outlet shopping concept. Pamm's the author of numerous discount shopping guides and has been researching discounts for over 20 years. Pamm has discount guides for Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. You can find them in most good bookshops. http://www.factoryoutlet.com.au/
Crabtree & Evelyn is renowned around the world for beautiful gifts and everyday luxuries that capture the essence of English style. Distinctive and unique, the company has earned an outstanding reputation for its creative excellence and personal customer service. The clearance outlet is located inside the head office. It's set up like a smaller concept store and the stock changes regularly. Bargains can be found anywhere from 30%-75% off. However, it's not like some clearance stores where the bargain is attached because there's a fault in the merchandise, the quality of the products is exactly the same as you'll find in the retail stores. They may just be in outdated packaging or the packaging is not quite perfect.
Crabtree & Evelyn, 42-46 Fairchild St,Heatherton VIC
03-8551-1000. Open Friday 10-2
www.crabtree-evelyn.com.au
Mimco has been growing steadily since its launch in 1996 and is now stocked in stores overseas, including Harvey Nichols and Selfridges in the UK and Barneys in the US and Japan. This warehouse outlet is the only one in Australia and sells the original and quirky Mimco designs, translated into funky handbags, exotic jewellery, wide-brimmed beach hats and decorative hair accessories. You can buy bags here that retail for $130 for just $30!
Mimco Aisle Clearance Outlet, 162 Bridge Road, Richmond VIC. 03-9428-5649. Mon - Wed 10-5.30, Thurs 10-6, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5
http://www.mimco.com.au
Hugo Boss is the only place in Australia you get bargain discounts on this very suave international label. It's not advertised and if you didn't know it was here you'd probably never find it. It's a hidden gem in Preston that opened 3 years ago. The samples found are from current collections - primarily size 36 (size 8) and 37 shoe (7) however all sizes are available but not as heavily discounted. With samples you may even get lucky and find a piece for an upcoming collection that didn't sell in Australia. These are favourites!
You can shop for beanies, hats, scarves, shoes, bags, boxers, gloves along with suits, jeans, tees and even the odd snow shoe!
Hugo Boss Factory Store, 6 Albert Street, Preston VIC. Mon - Fri 10-6, Sat 10-4. 03-94746370.
St Albans Textile Company, based in Melbourne, is a quality manufacturer of Australian Mohair, Alpaca and Lambswool rugs scarves, stoles and throws. St. Albans is a small innovative Company, whose design team sources fibres, textures and colours from around the world, offering a unique 100% Australian made product whilst encompassing the latest trends the world has to offer. Their warehouse store offers discounts on a large range of products marked with the St Alban's name. They even made rugs for the Queen's visit for the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
St Albans Textile Company, 44 Hargreaves St, Huntingdale VIC. 03-95447533. 9.30 - 3.30 Mon -Thur, 9.30 - 12.30 Friday. Not open Sat or Sun.
www.stalbans.com.au
Further Information
2 nights at The Crossley Hotel Melbourne plus $100 credit voucher. From $166 a person. Based on twin share. Includes surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
Qantas Holidays
13 14 15
Pam's Guides
From $19.95.
Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne available.
