Review: The ‘New’ Spencer Outlet Centre and stores

After a disappointing first visit to the Spencer Outlet Centre in mid 2013, we were desperately hoping that the recent refurb might have added a lot more life to this lackluster discount centre.  Bec Volpe checked it out to see if the refurb and the new stores are worth a revisit….

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I enthusiastically start my shopping expedition at Peter Alexander only to find that it’s not actually a clearance store. Was I in Westfield or an outlet centre?  A little confused, I push on. Plenty more stores to check out and after all the name promises ‘outlets’.   I continue to roam the centre and start to discover some great deals…..

• Brand-name trainers for $50
• Half-price designer bags
• Cool casual tees for under $15

AND some big brand stores including Wittner, Tony Bianco, Simone Perele, Rodd & Gunn and Typo. See store guide here.

But my big win of the day was my black felt fedora hat from Trade Secret which I paid only $16.95 for (original price  $49.95). Yep, you betcha I was super excited!

It didn’t take long for me to realise that Trade Secret could possibly my favorite discount fashion find in a while and definitely my favourite store at Spencer Outlet Centre!

With big name brands at 60% off RRP (yes, you read that right) what’s not to love?!  The brand name bargains are plentiful including;

• Ben Sherman shirts for $69.95 (originally $139.95)
• Le Spec sunglasses for half price
• THE cutest baby Bonds tops for only $9.95
• Men’s outerwear from Goliath and Henley
• A few cool David Lawrence pieces
• Running Bare sports gear
• Dresses from Australian fashion label, Shakuhachi.

With a huge range of brands at jaw dropping prices (my jaw literally hit the floor from the moment I walked in), it was hard not to spend ages browsing through the racks while oohing and ahhing over the low prices.

Overall, I say if your wardrobe could use a shoestring sprucing then Spencer Outlet Centre is a solid start.

Handy stuff to know before you go:

• Wear flat shoes (that’s a given and I shall say no more).
• Don’t try and do Trade Secret on a lunch break. You’ll definitely need more time.
• Eat before or after you go – see note below on where to eat near by.

Must visit stores

• Cotton On Mega Store – can I just quote Rachel Zoe here by saying that the Cotton On Mega Store is bananas? Seriously. With all the Cotton On brands under one roof, I guarantee that you’ll find a bargain not only for yourself but also the whole family. (I’m talking mum, dad, sister, pet fish, cute neighbour next door…).

Also notable

• Windsor Smith had heels for under $40
• Harris Scarfe had a great range of home wares and bedding
• Trade Secret had Guess Jeans for under $70.

Getting there

Don’t bother driving in – the stress of finding a car park in the city is enough to make you turn around and go home! The centre is located next to Southern Cross Station so your better option is to catch the train in.

Where to eat

The food court doesn’t host a huuuge range of options. If you’re like me and love food then exit the centre and head across the road to Kinfolk Café on Bourke Street. Not only is their food healthy and delicious BUT it’s a social enterprise cafe, which means they re-direct 100% of their profits between 4 development projects in Australia and abroad AND it’s run by volunteer staff.

Kinfolk Cafe – 673 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000.  Open 7am-3pm, Monday – Friday.

Spencer Outlet Centre – 201 Spencer Street, Docklands.  Open 10am – 6pm daily and til 8pm on Fridays.

Editorial note – These are our views only.  Spencer Outlet Centre did not endorse or pay for this review.