Melbourne’s Secret Shopping Gems

Are you looking for art deco stores that feature in secret shopping tours? Get ready for a retail experience that’ll surely woo the fashionista within you!

We’ve dug out some of Melbourne’s lesser-known shopping gems, tucked way in hidden lanes, underground alleyways, and heritage buildings.

Retrostar Vintage Clothing

Australia’s biggest vintage store lies hidden in the heritage Nichols Building. The pieces on display are reminiscent of old school 1940s fashion. The racks are stacked all the way from the roof to the floor covering a wide range of men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories with a special ‘rockstar’ room full of specialty t-shirts. If you are on the hunt for reasonably priced solid vintage pieces, this is the perfect shop for you.

Campbell Arcade

This little-known underground shopping precinct is a pedestrian arcade and can be accessed from Flinders Street station. It was built in 1956 to connect Degraves Street with Flinders Street Station so commuters wouldn’t have to cross a busy Elizabeth St. Home to a variety of quirky shops, here you will find a number of fashion stores like The Cats Meow and Subject to Change for clothes and Corky St Clair for jewellery. You will also find a number of shops selling artsy and eclectic tidbits such as pins and zines made by local and international indie artists.

Christine

This quaint accessory boutique nestled on Flinders Lane is home to ornate and extraordinary pieces – belts, handbags, jewellery, shoes, scarves, hats, sunglasses and vintage clothing, to name a few. Owned and run by ‘Accessories Queen’ Christine Barrow, this shop is a treasure trove of finely crafted items sourced from finest designers from all over the world.

Shifting Worlds

Loved by most fashion stylists in Melbourne, a beautifully curated luxury destination for niche labels, this store is all about avant-garde fashion. Housed within the brand-new retail space No Order Market, you will find here some of the most famous names like Pleats Please, Bao Bao, Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Nehera, Base Range and the local favourite Pageant. Along with clothes, there is a fabulous collection of books, ceramics, and perfumes you can indulge in as well.

Leghorn Rouge

Found at 242 Flinders Lane, this store has a top-notch shoe collection to die for. If you are looking to purchase fabulous high heels, open-toes, or flats without burning your pocket, you must pop in here for the irresistible deals and jaw-dropping collection.

Crossley Street

Maimone Tailor – recommended for a men’s stylist trying to piece together a tailored look for a traditional outfit. For women there are fabulous clothes to browse through at Blond Venus and Madam Virtue & Co and contemporary jewellery at Gallery Funaki.

Chiodo

Settled on the corner of Little Collins and Russell streets, Chiodo stocks a huge collection of designer labels for menswear and accessories. You will find brands such as Commes des Garçons, Junya Watanabe, Superfine, Norse Projects and Fred Perry. A stylish store with a sense of humour and low-key branding, this one is a hidden gem for men’s fashion.

Lord Coconut

Hidden from street view inside Carlow House on Flinders Lane, you will find this a fabulous store selling the most exquisite handcrafted men’s jewellery pieces designed by Australia’s best. From wedding rings to bands, bracelets, pendants, studs and more, Lord Coconut boasts a brilliant assortment of jewellery and accessories.