Eight To Try: Winter’s Best New Store Openings in Melbourne

Growing up, once the weather got too hot or too cold, that’s when we’d hit the shopping centres. The idea still holds: it’s much more enjoyable to pass the time window-shopping in temperature-controlled environments than battling the elements outside. Luckily, there are a few good store openings across Chadstone, Highpoint and Emporium shopping centres in time for winter. Elsewhere, the inner north welcomes some exciting neighbours, and the CBD welcomes back an old friend.

Arc’teryx, Chadstone

Arc’teryx has opened its first Melbourne Arc’teryx Alpha store. It’s now the biggest in the southern hemisphere, coming in at more than 600 square metres (usurping the recently opened Sydney location). The Alpha stores encompass the Canadian label’s extensive product offerings, including apparel, equipment, footwear and accessories. This new Chadstone outpost features a dedicated area for its sub-label, Veilance, and a Rebird centre, its wash and repair arm. Shop G77, Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone.

Birkenstock, Carlton

What was once part of a brewery complex in 1904 is now home to Birkenstock’s newest store. The heritage shoe brand’s new digs are a triple threat. Not only a retail store, it also houses Birkenstock’s local headquarters and its largest repair workshop in the world. The brick and wood-panelled space is earthy and grounded – a fitting complement to the sandal’s signature material palette. 551 Swanston Street, Carlton.

Perple, CBD

Perple has become one of Melbourne’s coolest designer names. The locally made, made-to-order womenswear label is a favourite among out-of-the-box brides; its mostly dead-stock pieces fuse avant-garde appeal with modern femininity. In its seventh year of operation, Perple is growing. You’ll find founder (and maker) Huiliana Chandra-Curry for appointment-only visits on the Paris end of Collins Street. Here, you can browse Perple’s sample collection and enter the process of creating something bespoke together. Suite 7, Level 3, 20 Collins Street, Melbourne.

Mejuri, Emporium

Fine jewellery brand Mejuri has opened its first store in Melbourne, its second in Australia. The internet-loved Canadian brand is known for its minimalistic, modern and high-quality adornments. After a decade of building up a loyal online following, it has made a splash in Australia’s brick-and-mortar space. Its CBD store is swaddled in softness – in hues, shapes and mood. Its neutral palette and stone furnishings allow its pieces to sing. The Emporium store also features a piercing studio for those itching to wear more. Level 1, Emporium, 287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.

Permanent Vacation, Collingwood

It’s been 10 years since Melbourne indie label Permanent Vacation launched. In line with the celebration, the Melbourne-made womenswear label has moved into Collingwood Yards. The hybrid space is part workroom, showroom and shop – it’s meant to be ever-evolving, able to hold different events, drops and collaborations. Stainless-steel furnishings and statement blue details make the space feel like a home. Currently, it’s only open on Saturdays and by appointment on Fridays. Unit 6, Collingwood Yards, 35a Johnston Street, Collingwood.

New Balance, QV

Down Albert Coates Lane in QV, you’ll find New Balance’s newest store – its first Grey retail concept store, which houses a comprehensive selection of the brand’s collections. Fans can expect to find new-release sneakers, men’s and women’s garments, and limited-edition pieces made in the USA and the UK. 20-24 Albert Coates Lane, Level 1, QV, Melbourne.

Kathmandu, CBD

What goes around, comes around. Kathmandu’s newest Melbourne store shares the same address as the first store it opened here. It doesn’t look like it did back in 1987, though; the new, next-gen flagship store is bright, sleek and futuristic. The Little Collins Lane store is digital-first, with Kathmandu’s CEO Megan Welch saying it brings the brand’s “future retail vision to life”. Its large selection of apparel (there are plenty of puffer jackets for the season ahead), accessories and outdoor gear is well stocked here. Shop G14/15, St Collins Lane, 260 Collins Street, Melbourne. 

Salomon, Highpoint

Salomon has opened in Melbourne’s west, bringing its high-performance gear to Highpoint Shopping Centre. The heritage outdoors brand is a contemporary aesthetic that fuses function and modernism. You’ll find sprinklings of greenery throughout the new space – a nod to the active inclinations of Salomon wearers. Take a rest on the store’s snowboard and snow boot seats – an ode to the brand’s French Alps origins. Shop L02/2501, Highpoint Shopping Centre, 120–200 Rosamond Road, Maribyrnong.