Chadstone, Highpoint, CBD: everything you need to know to shop before Christmas
Crowds are set to swell at major shopping centres and department stores as the Christmas countdown begins. Here’s what shoppers need to know.
Lifestyle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Major shopping centres and department stores are gearing up for a busy final week of shopping leading into Christmas.
Crowds are expected to swell at suburban centres such as Chadstone and Highpoint, while CBD centres including Melbourne Central are preparing for shoppers to return to the city in larger numbers than they’ve seen since lockdown.
While the shopping marathons of previous years have been curbed, trading hours have been extended to cope with the influx.
Highpoint will not be hosting its traditional 32-hour non-stop trade marathon this year, but the centre will be open for a total of 32 hours from December 23 until Christmas Eve, with a three-hour rest in-between for retailers to rest, rejuvenate and restock for their final rush.
The centre will also undergo rigorous surface cleaning, as an additional COVID-safe measure facilitated by GPT Group during this time.
Upwards of 1.9m customers pass through the doors at Highpoint in December, with more 180,000 customers expected over the final two days of Christmas shopping.
Chadstone’s extended trade hours run through to Boxing Day with shoppers able to grab last-minute gifts up until 1am on Wednesday, December 23.
The centre reopens at 7am on Christmas Eve until 6pm.
Chadstone Centre Manager, Michael Whitehead says there is more purchasing, pick-up and delivery options available than ever before including Parcel Concierge for shoppers to drive in and collect their online orders from participating retailers without leaving their car.
“Across the Christmas period, visitors are encouraged to plan their visit - drop by midweek, or arrive before 11am to shop to park with ease. The 90-minute quick shop zone is also available and will ensure customer get in and out quickly and safely,” he says.
Melbourne Central is open late this week, offering free parking from 5pm-9pm from Monday-Friday, and all day over the weekend when you spend $30.
Ryan Ling, Melbourne Central centre manager, says there has been a “positive buzz” in the centre as shoppers come to explore the more than 300 stores.
“To get the most out of your shopping experience and to avoid busy crowds, Melbourne Central recommends shopping in the mornings and midafternoon, this is typically off-peak times to shop,” he says.
Highpoint Centre Manager, Cristina Persico’s top tips for shopping in the final week leading into Christmas include:
Plan your visit – leave enough time to find a carpark and bring along your shopping list
Arrive during off-peak times i.e. at opening time or in the evening
Call ahead – contact your favourite retailers to find out if they have the items you are searching for ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
MELBOURNE CENTRAL EXTENDED TRADING HOURS
December 14-20: 9am–9pm
December 21-24:10am–7pm
December 25 (Christmas Day): CLOSED
December 26 (Boxing Day): 8am–9pm
HIGHPOINT EXTENDED TRADING HOURS
Wednesday 16 December: 9am–10pm
Thursday, December 17 and Friday December 18: 8am–10pm
Saturday December 19 – Tuesday December 22: 8am–midnight
Wednesday December 23: 7am – 3am
Thursday December 24: 6am – 6pm
CHADSTONE EXTENDED TRADING HOURS
Thursday December 17: 9am-10pm
Friday December 18: 9am-midnight
Saturday December 19: 9am-midnight
Sunday December 20: 10am-10pm
Monday December 21: 8am-midnight
Tuesday December 22: 8am-midnight
Wednesday December 23: 8am-1am
Thursday December 23:7am-6pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Saturday December 26: 6am-11pm
I went to Mallorca in summer, I wish I’d done this instead
The Spanish island is one of Europe’s hottest hot spots, but you may be better off visiting in shoulder season.
Healthy Hacks: The busy person’s guide to staying active
You’re never too busy for your health