Best Factory Outlets Shopping in Melbourne

Melbourne's factory outlet stores ideal for cheap, discount shopping

Sep 19, 2009

Home to many talented designers, Melbourne is considered the shopping capital of Australia. But its biggest draw? The discounted brands in its many factory outlets.

From the Direct Factory Outlets (DFO) phenomenon to its one-off clearance stores, Melbourne is home to Australia's largest number of discount stores. Selling past-season stock and current over-stock from stores both national and international, the city's factory outlets are the places to shop for a bargain. Below we explore Melbourne's best places for outlet shopping, from women's, men's and children's clothing to luggage and homeware.

The Malls: Get top Brand Discounts at Melbourne's Popular, Cheap & Cheerful 'Direct Factory Outlets' (DFO)

Undoubtedly Melbourne's best and most popular place for factory outlet shopping, Direct Factory Outlets(DFO) are shopping malls with a difference. With over 100 stores boasting up to 70% off big brands, that difference is largely price and quality. Virtually the home of the year-round sale, these malls are Melbourne's largest collection of outlet stores under the one roof. Offering a huge range of products from womens & mens fashion to homeware and lingerie, DFO stocks both Australian labels (e.g. Quiksilver, Roxy, Cotton On, Cue) and top international brands (e.g. Levi's, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Calvin Klein) at rock bottom clearance prices.

There are three DFO locations in Melbourne. In the heart of the city, DFO Spencer Street is ideal for bargain shopping in the city centre and is accessible by catching a train to Southern Cross Station (DFO is beside it) or Tram 86, 95, 96 or 75, all of which stop right outside the mall.

DFO Essendon is located on Tullamarine Freeway next to Essendon Airport and is accessible by catching Tram 59 from the corner of Flinders & Elizabeth Sts. Alite at Stop 47 at the corner of Keilor/ Mount Alexander Rd's and a 15 minute walk up Bulla Road leads to DFO.

DFO Moorabbin is the furthest one from the city but also the largest. To get there, take the Frankston train line and alight at Cheltenham. Then catch Bus 827/828 from the bus stop on the corner of Station and Charman St. A 10 minute ride leads to DFO.

All DFO's have a range of top-notch cafes and eateries for that all-important break from bargain-hunting.

Hit the Streets: Bridge Road, Richmond and Smith Street, Collingwood are Thrifty Factory Outlet Shopping Meccas

Labelled 'Melbourne's best shopping strip', Bridge Road in central suburb Richmond has the largest number of fashion shops in a row, many of which are factory outlets. Perfect for grabbing some cheap, clearance clothes, this street makes for a very accessible and successful shopping experience.

With regular stores to outlets, highstreet to designer, Bridge Road is a bundle of enjoyable contradictions, with something for all tastes. Popular outlet stores, boasting huge discounts and clearance prices, include Bendon Lingerie & Table Eight Clothing. Some well-established designer outlet stores include the exclusive Alberto Piazza and Sass & Bide. Popular regular stores include Sportsgirl, Portmans, Dotti and Bardot.

Bridge Rd also has a strip of cool cafes, perfect for winding down and relaxing after a days shopping. To get to Bridge Rd, take a five-minute ride on east-bound Tram 75 from Flinders Street which trundles down Bridge Rd.

While it might be the slightly down-market neighbour of trendy Brunswick Street, Smith Street in Northern suburb Collingwood is home to many outlet stores selling clothes and footwear at fanstastically cheap prices.

North of Johnston St, there are factory outlets in abundance, with a special emphasis on athletic, outdoor gear at up to 70% off. Top outlet stores include Nike, Adidas, Converse and Kathmandu.

While there are a few cafes and restaurants on this strip, Brunswick St one street over makes for a nicer, more vibrant atmosphere for a coffee and cake.

Out of the City: Factory Outlet Shopping at BrandSmart in the Suburb of Nunawading Rivals the City's Central Malls

Venturing further out of the city doesn't mean outlet shopping bargains are out of the question. Less than an hour from the centre, the Brand Smart Factory Outlet Emporium in the north-western suburb of Nunawading is akin to a small-scale DFO. With many popular stores including Cue, Benson, Esprit and David Lawrence, there is plenty of bargains to be had here.

Located at 286 Whitehorse Road (aka Maroondah Highway) with over 400 parking spaces on offer, it's best for those with a car and a Sat Nav. Getting there by public transport is more difficult but doable – Catch the Belgrave/Lilydale train line from Flinders St Station and alight at Nunawading Station. Walk right from the station until Whitehorse Rd / Maroondah Hwy. Head left once on the highway and a 20-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride will lead to BrandSmart.

BrandSmart also houses Design Cafe, serving some of the best baked goods in the area, while Sassy Cafe & Bar is fully licensed, perfect for indulging in a relaxing beer after a long days shopping.

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