Introduction to Sydney

Sydney is the capital of New South Wales in Australia, is the country’s largest city and one of the most important ports in the South Pacific. Sydney has become an international tourist center and has one of the world’s most recognizable harbors. Sydney has countless attractions to explore, including the Sydney Opera House, Bondi Beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Darling Harbour.

Demographics

Sydney has an estimated population of 5.2 million (as of 2018). It is a very diverse and multicultural city: Almost 45% of the population was born outside Australia.

Top Five Shopping Areas:

1. Queen Victoria Building: The Queen Victoria Building was built in the 19th century and is home to over 100 retail stores. These are mostly high-end retailers, although affordable brands are located on the underground floor of the building.
2. Westfield Centrepoint Tower: Westfield Centrepoint Tower is known as Westfields to locals. The six-floor building contains over 200 retail outlets, including Calvin Klein, Chanel, Cotton On, Dotti and Versace, among others.
3. Sydney’s Paddy Markets & Market City: This area has a flea-market atmosphere, with different stalls selling clothing and jewelry, including factory outlet stalls.
4. Strand Arcade: The Strand Arcade includes 80 retail stores, covering sectors from body and beauty to apparel. There are also small food outlets there. The arcade is located close to Pitt Street Mall and Westfield Sydney shopping center.
5. Glebe Markets: This is one of Sydney’s most well-known local markets. It opens every Saturday and has over 200 stalls selling various second-hand items, books, records, arts and crafts, clothing and jewelry.

Famous Retail Events

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia is Australia’s biggest fashion week. The 2019 fashion show took place on May 12 – 18.

Top Innovative Retailers

Lululemon Athletica [caption id="attachment_96917" align="alignright" width="313"] Source: aquabumps.com[/caption] Lululemon opened its first “local concept store” at Bondi Beach in Sydney in December 2016. The store’s aim is to act as “part store, part meeting place.” The company wanted to make the store a connection point for the Lululemon community. The store covers 1,345 square feet and sells activewear for men and women. Although the interior of the store remains minimalistic, it takes inspiration from the lifestyle of Bondi Beach. Two walls are covered by murals designed by local artist Georgia Hill. The store contains a built-in hydration system and sea and surf support stations. Location: Lululemon, 182 Campbell Parade Bondi Beach, Sydney NSW 2026.   Local Design [caption id="attachment_96918" align="alignright" width="225"] Source: Instagram.com/Local Design[/caption] Local Design curates interior design products and supports local designers by offering a platform to showcase their work (hence the name). The platform was created by brother-sister duo Emma Elizabeth and James Coffey. Local Design holds exhibitions: Its first showcased products from 13 Australian designers, including Tom Fereday, Fiona Lynch, Ross Gardam and Shilo Engelbrecht.   Location: Local Design, 46-48 Kensington Street, Sydney NSW 2008.   Blue Spinach [caption id="attachment_96919" align="alignright" width="286"] Source: Sydney.com[/caption] Blue Spinach is a consignment store founded by Jane and Mark Thompson in 1996. It is located in Darlinghurst, an inner-city suburb in Sydney, and has developed and expanded into an e-commerce platform as well. Due to its product selection and authentication process, Blue Spinach guarantees the customer high-quality items. The company uses an on-demand authentication solution called Entrupy, a technology powered by artificial intelligence. Location: Blue Spinach, 348 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010.   PLAYA by Lucy Folk [caption id="attachment_96920" align="alignright" width="278"] Source: us.lucyfolk.com[/caption] The lifestyle brand was created by Lucy Folk, who sells handmade jewelry, Italian-made eyewear, accessories and resort apparel. PLAYA is Folk’s first store in Sydney, located in the heart of Bondi Beach.   Location: PLAYA by Lucy Folk, Shop 3/11-13 Hall Street, Bondi Beach NSW 2026.   T Totaler [caption id="attachment_96921" align="alignright" width="238"] Source: ttotalertea.com[/caption] T Totaler is a tea boutique started in 2012 by husband and wife team Amber and Paul Sunderland. The company provides loose-leaf tea and herbal blends packed in glass test tubes, recycled bags and antique pharmaceutical jars. It aims to be environmentally conscious and socially responsible: The packaging can be reused for different purposes. Products include “pick-me-up” tea, detox tea and immune-boost tea. Most is locally grown to support local farmers. T Totaler also offers tea bars, which use unique tea brewing techniques to create cold-drip tea and sparkling tea. The store also holds tea workshops to educate consumers on tea blending. Location: T Totaler, Ground Floor, 26A, 500 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000.   Parlour X [caption id="attachment_96922" align="alignright" width="307"] Source: parlourx.com[/caption] Parlour X was founded by Eva Galambos in 2001 and is known as a “multi-brand luxury fashion destination.” The store has curated pieces from luxury designers such as Balenciaga, Comme des Garçons, Fendi and Valentino. Parlour X has won two awards: the Prix De Marie Claire Award and the Australian Fashion Laureate Award for Best Australian Boutique. Galambos uses her platform to support local Australian brands by mentoring and collaborating with emerging designers. Location: Parlour X, 261 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW 2021.   The TDE Apartment [caption id="attachment_96923" align="alignright" width="346"] Source: thedailyedited.com[/caption] The Daily Edited is a fashion accessories brand that opened a flagship store dubbed “The TDE Apartment,” which sells home décor, daily essentials and bags, among other items. The store is styled as an apartment, and as such, art, floral arrangements and home décor are carefully positioned throughout. The products are rotated on a biweekly basis (roughly) to offer greater variety. The living room showcases items such as cell phone cases while the bedroom is where bags are displayed. The bathroom contains cosmetic products and luggage, and the study offers items including desk organizers and massage pads. Location: The TDE Apartment, Level 4, Pitt Street Mall, Westfield, Sydney NSW 2000.   Désordre Boutique [caption id="attachment_96924" align="alignright" width="213"] Source: desordrestore.com[/caption] Désordre Boutique was established in 2009 in Darlinghurst and is known as the “little pink boutique.” (Although the name means “disorder” or “mess” in French.) The store sells a variety of Australian and international apparel, and launched an e-commerce platform in 2012. Founder Shannon Thomas travels the world to find new labels to showcase in the boutique. Thomas also collaborates with designers to create exclusive pieces for the shop.   Location: Désordre Boutique, 323 S Dowling Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010.   Jim and Jane [caption id="attachment_96925" align="alignright" width="269"] Source: theculturetrip.com[/caption] The Jim and Jane concept store was founded in 2007 by Amber Barnes. It sells locally produced apparel, homeware and gifts. The store is located in the Annandale suburb. Jim and Jane is very consumer-focused, and carries brands such as American Vintage, APT, Binny, Elka Collective, European Culture, Fairley, Kirx and OnceWas. Location: Jim and Jane, 45 Booth Street, Annandale NSW 2038.   Must-See Street: King Street King Street is the place to find unique and interesting stores, including antique and vintage shops. The street also offers a variety of lunch and dinner spots.

1. Raffini Jewellers Sydney: An affordable jewelry store, Raffini can create custom jewelry to fit any customer
2. Cignetti Boutique: This Italian shoe boutique offers high-quality leather shoes.
3. MLC Centre: This shopping mall has a small selection of stores in addition to food outlets.
4. M. Lewin: The tailoring company supplies contemporary shirts, suits and accessories for men and women.
5. BALLY Sydney: The high-end clothing store offers lines for men and women. It is well known for leather shoes, coats and accessories.