Where to go shopping in Adelaide

South Australia's vibrant capital is a great city to explore. Like most of Australia's major metropolitan areas, it combines a thriving central business district with ready access to the incredible backcountry Australia is known for. Offering a laid-back vibe combined with excellent restaurants and fascinating cultural offerings, Adelaide is a sometimes underrated city that has something to offer just about everyone.

That includes shopaholics.

Adelaide's shopping scene is almost as diverse as its food one. Yes, you can find department stores and shopping malls providing fast fashion and high-street brands from around the world. But there are also plenty of boutique shops offering vintage fashion or high-end designer gear. Then there are quirky boutiques offering everything from records to books to handcrafted chocolate, and lively markets where you can shop like a local and enjoy some retail therapy.

Really, whatever kind of shopping you like best, you can do it in Adelaide. And Bounce makes it easier by partnering with local businesses throughout the Adelaide CBD, near the Adelaide Train Station and beyond so you always have a place to stash your things. Leave your new purchases behind at any of our storage spots in Adelaide while you explore gift shops and clothing outlets throughout the city centre, or drop off your suitcases before checking into your hotel. Bounce makes travel easier, no matter how you like to spend your time.

All you need to know when shopping in Adelaide

Shopping in Adelaide is convenient and enjoyable, with its compact layout and variety of options. It's an easy city to get around, and that means more opportunities to explore all the different aspects of the local retail scene. Leave your heavy bags behind with Bounce or use our locations to store your new purchases while you shop for more. Our app can find a location near you that can look after anything you need to store while you explore the city.

Shopping architecture

Adelaide’s shopping areas are a mix of historic arcades, modern malls, and lively markets. Some noteworthy shops include places like the department stores of Myer and David Jones and op shops (otherwise known as second-hand stores) like Old Midwest American Vintage. Other key locations include:

• Rundle Mall: Australia’s first pedestrian mall, home to over 700 retailers, from global brands to local boutiques. Located in the heart of the city, Rundle Mall remains one of the most popular shopping areas with both locals and visitors, and you can find just about everything here, from high street fashion to more independent and unique boutiques.
• Adelaide Central Market: A foodie’s paradise with fresh produce, gourmet delights, and specialty stores. This is the place to come if you want to try local delicacies and learn more about the food culture of the city. You'll be rubbing shoulders with some of the top chefs in Adelaide, and if the products on offer whet your appetite, there are some excellent places to eat in and around the market itself.
• Norwood Parade: A vibrant shopping strip with fashion boutiques, cafes, and homeware stores.
• Burnside Village: An upscale shopping precinct offering luxury brands and stylish boutiques. If you're looking for designer brands, you'll find what you need here, but you'll need deep pockets to get the most out of the glamorous shops here.

Opening hours and seasonality

Most shops in Adelaide operate from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with extended hours on Fridays until 9:00 PM. Sundays typically have reduced hours, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Big stores close only on major holidays like Christmas Day, while smaller retailers may operate their own schedules.

Pricing and bargaining

Prices are fixed in malls and boutiques, but bargaining may be possible at local markets. If you are going to haggle over prices at local markets, make sure you have some cash with you, as traders may be more open to making a deal if you can give them ready money and avoid the credit card fees they have to pay.

Shop like a local

• Bring reusable shopping bags, as South Australia enforces a ban on single-use plastic bags. Adelaide is an eco-friendly city where reusable canvas bags are king, and buying new ones everywhere you go can quickly get expensive.
• Adelaide’s compact city center makes it easy to explore shopping areas on foot or via public transport. Don't be afraid to stray away from the central business district to discover more independent and quirky shops located just outside the city center.
• Carry cash for markets and independent vendors who may not accept cards. Cards are usually accepted just about everywhere in Australia, but having at least some cash on you can make things easier.

Unique shops to visit in Adelaide

Adelaide is home to unique shops that highlight its creative and cultural flair. Visiting some of these locations can help you experience more of the city's personality and pick up some unique items you won't find anywhere else.

JamFactory

This iconic design studio and gallery showcases handcrafted ceramics, glassware, and jewelry made by local artisans. The gallery hosts a rotating lineup of exhibits showcasing local artists, so there's always something new to discover here. An original artwork makes perhaps the most unique souvenir of her trip, and this is a great place to immerse yourself in the local art scene and browse for something that catches your eye.

Address: 19 Morphett Street

Miss Gladys Sym Choon

An Adelaide institution, this boutique offers an eclectic mix of fashion and accessories, blending vintage charm with contemporary style. This boutique is as unique as its name, with three floors of retail space selling shoes, formalwear, street style, and all kinds of other unexpected finds.

Address: 235A Rundle Street

Haigh’s Chocolates

Australia’s oldest family-owned chocolate maker, Haigh’s is a must-visit for its premium handcrafted chocolates and iconic packaging. The popularity of this confectioner has allowed them to open multiple locations throughout the city, and treating yourself to something delicious from here is almost a rite of passage when visiting Adelaide.

Address: 2 Rundle Mall

Shopping experiences in Adelaide

Adelaide’s markets and specialty stores are perfect for discovering local flavors, crafts, and more. As well as great places to shop in Adelaide, these locations are ideal for taking in the culture and atmosphere of the city. If you want to explore like a local but still get some shopping done, this is where to do it.

Adelaide Central Market

One of the largest fresh produce markets in the Southern Hemisphere, this market is packed with fresh food, specialty ingredients, and artisan products. All the delicious food on offer is likely to get your mouthwatering, and you'll be able to sample local delicacies and learn more about the city's vibrant food scene at the epicenter of Adelaide culinary expertise.

Address: 44-60 Gouger Street

Ebenezer Place

A trendy laneway filled with boutique stores, cafes, and pop-up shops offering everything from handmade crafts to local fashion. This funky area is a joy to explore, with some truly unique shops offering items you never knew you wanted and great cafés and restaurants where you can spend some time soaking up the atmosphere.

Address: Ebenezer Place, East End

Barossa Valley Cheese Company

Admittedly, it's located outside Adelaide itself, but if you're exploring the world-famous wine region of the Barossa Valley, it's well worth taking a minute to stop into this cheese shop to try some exceptional local products. This shop offers a delectable range of artisan cheeses and gourmet food products, perfect for food lovers.

Address: 67B Murray Street, Angaston

Traditional shopping options in Adelaide

For a more conventional shopping experience, Adelaide offers a variety of malls and shopping centers where you can do all your shopping in one go. If you need a place that can entertain the kids as well as provide everything you need to buy, these are great options, and you'll generally find what you're looking for at any of these locations.

Rundle Mall

The heart of Adelaide’s retail scene, Rundle Mall features a mix of high-street brands, department stores, and local boutiques. Don’t miss its iconic sculptures, like the Mall’s Balls.

Address: Rundle Street

Burnside Village

An elegant shopping destination with luxury brands like Oroton and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as chic dining options. This offers a slightly more upscale shopping experience, so if you're a fashionista, it's well worth exploring.

Address: 447 Portrush Road, Glenside

Harbour Town Adelaide

A premium outlet shopping center offering discounts on major brands, located near Adelaide Airport. Ideal for bargain hunters, it's also a good place for fans of international brands.

Address: 727 Tapleys Hill Road, West Beach

The compact city of Adelaide offers a surprising variety of shopping experiences. Rundle Mall may be the epicenter of Adelaide shopping, but both the central business district and Adelaide's suburbs offer some more unique experiences. Browse vintage stores, art galleries, produce markets, and gift shops while Bounce looks after your things. Traveling light means you can get a much better sense of everything Adelaide offers, and makes your shopping experience easier than ever.