Just Landed in Melbourne? A Guide to Everyday Shopping

Arriving in Melbourne often means figuring out a new set of everyday errands: where to buy groceries, what shops stock kitchenware, and where to look for small appliances or toiletries. This guide groups familiar Australian retailers by what they’re generally useful for, so you can plan your first shopping trip with less guesswork.

Store ranges, prices and locations can vary. Check the retailer’s store finder for a nearby branch and confirm product availability before making a special trip.

Groceries: Coles, Woolworths and ALDI

Coles and Woolworths are large supermarkets where you can shop for everyday groceries and household basics. ALDI is another supermarket option, with a range that includes groceries and selected household items. The products and brands available differ between stores.

If you’re comparing grocery prices, check the price per unit as well as the shelf price where unit pricing is shown. This can make it easier to compare different pack sizes.

Home and kitchen essentials: Kmart, IKEA and Daiso

• Kmart is a convenient place to look for everyday homewares, kitchen basics, bedding and other household items.
• IKEA is known for furniture and home furnishings, and also carries kitchenware and home organisation products. Check the store finder for Melbourne-area locations and services.
• Daiso can be worth checking for small household goods, stationery and storage items. Its range may vary by store.

For a new home, start with the essentials you need immediately—such as a pillow, basic cookware or storage—and add larger items once you’ve checked sizes and transport options.

Electronics, office supplies and hardware: JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks and Bunnings

The name “J8 Hi-Fi” in some shopping lists may be a typo for JB Hi-Fi. JB Hi-Fi is a retailer to check for electronics and appliances; confirm that the model you need is available at your chosen store.

Officeworks is useful for stationery, printing and office supplies, and may also stock selected technology and home-office items. Bunnings is a hardware and home-improvement retailer where you can look for tools, basic household hardware and DIY supplies.

General merchandise: Costco and Big W

Big W is a department store where you can browse categories such as clothing, toys, homewares and selected household essentials. Costco is a membership-based warehouse retailer; check its current membership and store information before planning a visit. Product selection and pack sizes can differ from a regular supermarket.

Toiletries and personal care: Priceline and Chemist Warehouse

Priceline and Chemist Warehouse are pharmacy retailers where you can look for skincare, toiletries, cosmetics and selected health products. For medicines or health advice, check the product information and ask pharmacy staff when appropriate.

A simple first-shopping plan

1. Make a short list of what you need right away: groceries, bedding, cookware, toiletries or a phone charger.
2. Choose one or two stores based on the categories above rather than trying to visit every retailer.
3. Check the nearest branch, opening information and stock through the retailer’s official store finder or website.
4. Compare unit prices for groceries when available, and check pack sizes before buying in bulk.
5. For bulky furniture or appliances, consider how you’ll transport or receive the item before purchasing.

With these store categories in mind, it’s easier to decide where to start when you’re settling into Melbourne. Save this guide for your first grocery run, move-in shop or household restock.