Brisbane Shopping Guide: 6 places you can’t miss
The Brisbane shopping scene has come a long way. No longer passed off as just a ‘big country town’, Brisbane has come into its own and has developed some serious retail hot spots to appease even the most seasoned fashionista.
Kim Barnard and her crew at the The Urban List have put their heads together to pinpoint the best spots to go in Brisbane to get your dose of retail therapy.
Here’s what made the list:
James St, Fortitude Valley
If there’s a more happening strip than James St right now, I don’t know it. With new stores popping up every week, shoppers are absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to indulging in some retail therapy. Add into the mix some of Brisbane’s best restaurants and cafes, and it’s hard to imagine needing to go anywhere else.
TUL Tips: Pop into Scanlan & Theodore or Calexico for no-fail fashion buys, Optiko for specs, Zoom for shoes, and then, when you’re all kitted out, take a coffee break at Jamie’s Espresso Bar, before grabbing a bite at Harveys.
Winn Lane, Fortitude Valley
It’s not hard to remember a time when the only things you’d find in a laneway in Brisbane were rubbish bins and the odd pigeon, but with niche bars and restaurants popping up in side streets all over the city, we are being spoilt for choice when it comes to hidden treasures slightly off the beaten track.
Winn Lane is one such gem. Whether it’s coffee, books, or sartorial inspiration you’re searching for, there is much to be found in this little hideaway.
TUL Tips: Check out Atavist Books for some second-hand book love, Sunday Social for beautiful vintage threads, EP by Easton Pearson for something special and Ruby and Prankstar for some unique accessories.
Queen Street Mall, Brisbane CBD
So many stores, so little time. The oft-maligned CBD shopping destination has had an impressive revival over the last year, and is now a legitimate shopping stop off. The new Wintergarden is pretty spesh, Queens Plaza has everything under the one roof, and there’s a bevy of other stores waiting to be discovered.
TUL Tips: Hit up David Jones, Sass and Bide, Dirtbox, and Mecca Maxima, and, if your budget allows, drool over everything at Chanel and Tiffany & Co.
Emporium, Fortitude Valley
Conveniently located in the heart of Brisbane, Emporium is a little world unto itself. Filled with restaurants and cafes, and a hotel, not to mention high-end shops galore, Emporium has you covered.
TUL Tips: Visit Samantha Ogilvie for divine designer fashion goodies, Ollie & Lloyd for beautiful gifts and homewares, and Poppy Cakes for a sweet treat.
Latrobe Terrace, Paddington
Head out of the city (just a tad) to Paddington, and you’ll find a treasure trove of stores lining the streets of bustling Latrobe Terrace. With cafes galore, fashion boutiques, and homewares stores, it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular with Westsiders.
TUL Tips: Head to A.P. Design House for treats for your home, Chasing Bow for party frocks, Thousand Island Dressing for accessories, and Black Cat Books for a literary treat. Once the hard work is done, treat yourself with a cocktail at Kettle & Tin.
Oxford Street, Bulimba
Right in the heart of Bulimba, on Brisbane’s East side, Oxford St is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Offering an eclectic mix of stores, cafes, and a beautiful park in the middle, Oxford St is perfect for a weekend sojourn away from the CBD.
TUL Tips: Visit Frankie & The Fox for some fashion inspiration, Issada for gorgeous cosmetics, My First Room for super cute children’s homewares, and then Riverbend Books for a coffee and a read.
What’s your favourite Brisbane shopping spot?
