Chadstone shopping centre busy with shoppers before Melbourne lockdown

Dozens of shoppers have flocked inside Chadstone to snare late-minute items and for “one last brunch” as the shopping mecca opened its doors for the last time before restrictions return.

People queue up at Chadstone to have brunch on Wednesday, July 8. Picture: Suzan Delibasic

Eager shoppers have descended to Chadstone shopping centre to snare last-minute items before Melbourne returns to lockdown.

The Monash Leader visited the centre on Wednesday and saw dozens of shoppers heading into supermarkets, beauty salons and hairdressers when the centre opened its doors at 9am.

People were also lining up to get into various cafes, with some saying they wanted to sneak in “one last brunch” before restrictions began.

Some carparks around Chadstone were full by 9am. Picture: Suzan Delibasic

Nail salons and hairdressers were busy with several people waiting for appointments at Chadstone. Picture: Suzan Delibasic

Shopper Anne, who did not want her surname published, told Leader she came to the centre this morning to have brunch with friends.

“We wanted to sneak in a last-minute brunch and coffee and I also came to buy a few essentials,” she said.

A Benefit Brow Bar worker at Myer said its brow services were booked out until 5pm on Wednesday.

“The phones have been ringing off the hook for appointments, but we’re already booked out,” she said.

It’s understood most stores, except supermarkets, will be shut again in the centre, while David Jones’ stores will remain open across Melbourne.

But it’s unclear if Myer will shut again.

Nail salons and hairdressers were busy with several people waiting for appointments at Chadstone on Wednesday. Picture: Suzan Delibasic

People at Chadstone on Wednesday, July 8. Picture: Suzan Delibasic

A spokesman from Vicinity Centres, who manages Chadstone, said the centre’s focus remained on the health, wellbeing and safety of everyone.

“Following (the) announcement from the State Government about the return to stage three restrictions across Melbourne, our centres remain open for our communities to shop for necessary fresh food and groceries, household items, clothing, medical services and supplies, and access to financial services,” he said.

“The government classifies shopping centres as essential as they play a key role in the community giving customers access to these essential products and services.”

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