New to Sydney? 5 Top Places to Grab Some Great Bargains
July 4, 2009 by Jessie Goh
This article is about Chic & Cheap
Recently relocated to Sydney or even visiting Sydney for the first time and would like to know of some great places for heavily marked down fashion and homeware stores? No worries! This post has the answers for you.
1. Direct Factory Outlets (DFO)
This is one of my favourite places for getting my bargain fixes and fashion highs. It is located in Homebush (next to Sydney Olympic Park) and here’s the map and directions. Trading hours are from 10AM to 6PM daily. Personally, the best time to visit DFO is during the week when there is plenty of parking within the complex. On the weekends, you will have to contest with the dreaded Sydney traffic and parking is almost non-existent (I went there on a Sunday and I had to park around the residential area as traffic was so bad that it was faster walking).
What you’ll find at DFO:
- Lingerie (Bendon, Elle MacPherson and etc)
- Sporting apparel (Converse, Puma and etc)
- Fashion chain stores (French Connection, Witchery, Marcs and etc)
- Home wares (Royal Doulton, Sheridan and etc)
- Surf brands (Billabong, QuickSilver)
- Kids
- Shoes (Nine West, Windsor Smith, Wanted and etc)
2. Red Yard Entertainment Centre (100 Parramatta Road Auburn)
Auburn seems like miles away especially for those who live across the bridge or even those from the Eastern Suburbs. The only reason I know of Auburn is because my partner is a true “Westie”. He introduced me to the west and persuaded me to move out this way to escape the rising cost of living in the inner suburbs of Sydney. Anyway, back to the point. 100 Parramatta Road is a place to go to if you are after anything to do with Sports and the easiest way of getting there is by car. If you are coming from the East and North of Sydney, just look for the M4 and take the Silverwater exit. If you live in the West, you will know what I’m talking about so I need not explain any further.
This part of Auburn has everything to offer – from apparel to footwear to casual wear and sporting equipment. There’s plenty of parking and the following outlets are located within the complex:
- Rebel Sports Discount Outlet
- SportsCo
- Kathmandu
- Bendon, Berlei and Bonds Outlet
- Pumpkin Patch
- Freddy’s Fishing World
The bargains do not just stop inside the Red Yard Entertainment Centre. If you are keen for more gems, some 100 steps will bring you to the following places:
- Adidas Factory Outlet – directly across Parramatta Road
- Nike Factory Outlet – 126 Parramatta Road, which is 2 minutes walk towards the West, from Adidas
These shops often have juicy reductions. For example, Nike often offers specials such as buy one pair of footwear and get the 2nd pair at 50% off.
3. Birkenhead Point
Beautiful Birkenhead Point
This has to be the most picturesque factory outlet ever! Located at the entrance of Iron Cove Bay and situated adjacent to Parramatta River, this is probably one of the few malls that you can get to via boat! Directions and trading hours are available here. To me, Birkenhead Point is almost the same as DFO but a classier version. Designer labels such as Burberry and Alannah Hill have their outlet stores located within this shopping haven. It is worth setting aside a day to shop. I even managed to drag my partner and my dad there by using the marina as a pretext. 
4. Peter’s of Kensington
Peter’s, Peter’s, Peter’s. The beauty of with Peter’s of Kensington is that they are conveniently located online and at 57 Anzac Parade in Kensington, this store is the place to go to if you are after good quality pots, pans, home wares, bathroom accessories, cutlery, homeware and the list goes on. No, you will not find your cheapie IKEA quality pots here. Instead, you will find trusted brands such as Circulon and Scanpan BUT at BARGAIN BASEMENT prices. Products are often at least 50% cheaper than your major department stores. If you shop during Peter’s sale period, you can find bargains up to 70% off! Pots and pans are worth investing in and I do believe that a good pot can last a lifetime.
5. Market City
Located in the hub of Sydney’s Chinatown, Market City is a great place for finding bargains from stores such as Esprit, Mambo, Cue,Marcs and etc. Directions and trading hours are available from here. The best days to visit Market City will be between Thursday to Sunday as Paddy’s market trades during those days. The shops within the Market City building are all fixed price shops. However, some bargaining can happen at Paddy’s (located in the basement of Market City). Most people come here for non-brand name Ugg boots, sheep skin and tonnes of other souvenirs. A fresh fruits and vegetables market is also conveniently located within Paddy’s.
Feel free to leave comments or suggestions of your favourite bargain haunts in Sydney.
~Jess
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