DOESNT EXIST ANYMORE. Sigh. Like maybe don't make people drive all the way there if the shop…read moredoesn't even exist anymore?

Went to one of their weekend Garage Sales. Found out about the fortnightly event on Facebook…read more Picked up some vinyl and an awesome table.

Tucked away from the bustle of Sydney road is the no car traffic street of Sparta. A little oasis…read moreof small unique stores, cafe, and artists hangout. The design store sits here, and sells a range of handmade kids clothes, blankets and other crafts. They also stock amazing Marimekko collection and small collections from independent jewellers, cards, and other things. It's a lovely little shop that you will surprisingly spend Way too much time in.

Most Melbournians will be familiar with the iconic Franco Cozzo ads of the 1980 in which the man…read morehimself informed the wider Melbourne area that his stores are located "in Brunswick and a-Footiscray". A proud Italian-Australian, Franco Cozzo is a self-spruiking powerhouse pusher of garish European furniture. If you like beds with mirrors mounted on the headboard with whipped cream-esque flourishes across the frame in any colour from mahogany through to pearl, then Franco Cozzo will most certainly be your bag. For everyone who prefers a more basic bed model, the beds can be amusing. Although they do sell other furniture, the Brunswick store window display seems to focus on the beds. When it comes to the actually goods, it's really a matter of taste, but Franco Cozzo is notable for it being a Melbourne retail institution. Maybe it's best to wait for one of his famous "grand sale, grand sale[s]".

After a recent trip to the YEW ESS of A, I had purchased one too many quirky prints off the streets…read moreof New Orleans that desperately needed a frame and a special place on my wall. I popped in to Frames Readymade with my prints to see what they could do. I have one word to describe my experience with these guys - EFFICIENT. I was in and out in about 15 minutes. That included choosing the optimum style, my print being trimmed ever-so-slightly and then being beautifully mounted in to the frame. Wow. Bravo. Brunswick ready-made frames quite literally have thousands of frames to choose from in all colours and sizes, or they will make one up for you to custom-fit your print. Plus they are affordable, to boot!

I have been to Frames Readymade several times over the last 12 months and have been consistently…read morepleased with their service and range of products (lots of frame styles and finishes - I particularly like the victorian ash range). During the most recent lockdown they were also readily available for call and collect orders, which were all fulfilled very promptly and the pick up process was a breeze. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area.

Wilkins and Kent stock some beautiful things. Kitchenware, ceramics, organic soaps and candles, and…read moreof course well-made and divine woodwork are scattered around the space. On my last visit I spent a lot of my time eyeing a long handmade redgum bench. Sleek and simple it stood in the middle of the store and radiated comfort. Unfortunately the price tag (well over $1000) and lack of space in my house meant that I didn't have a hope in hell. But I can dream. Wilkins and Kent have some great kitchenware ranges including the Nigella Lawson range, and some exquisite ceramic bowls. On my last visit I bought some ceramic birds that hang from the wall - glazed with beautiful colours they are beautiful little pieces of art and around the ($50) mark, weren't too expensive. The service at Wilkins and Kent is always great, although the store can get very busy so it may take a while to get some service. But friendly and well meaning, the sales assistants are helpful and knowledgeable about the products.

Wilkins and Kent is one of those must-visit stores for me on Brunswick street. Filled with a…read morekaleidoscope of products from pretty table ware to chic bakeware and printed lamps. This is also one of those stores that you need to slowly work your way through in order to appreciate it for what it really is. Incidentally, it would be easy to mistake this shop as a homeware store, but in actuality, Wilkins and Kent specialise in custom designed furniture. And from what we hear, the bosses Jeremy Wilkins and Stephen Kent are the actual furniture makers. If you're looking to create a custom designed piece or are just looking for something to complement your home with, check out this lovely store. Wilkins and Kent also carry a wide range of household décor items, stationery, gardening tools and other bits and bobs - perfect as gifts.

Looking for gifts for every kind of person in your life (especially yourself)? Then look no further…read more- Five Boroughs seemingly has something for everyone. From jewellery to children's books, to bike friendly backpacks and locally crafted furniture. I'm just a little bit in love with everything here... especially the custom Monsieur Truffe chocolate bars! Milk chocolate with popping candy wrapped in a Emily Green designed wrapper? YES PLEASE!

It's pay day, your best mate's birthday is this weekend and you're feeling particularly generous…read more If you've ticked all these boxes you simply NEED to come to Five Boroughs in East Brunswick. Here you will find all the finer things in life - locally designed jewellery, delightfully smelly soaps, adorable baby booties, Danish-style desks and coffee table books for days - I mean, the list goes on! I popped in to buy a 30th birthday present for my dear friend and instead walked out with a soft leather wallet from Melbourne label Status Anxiety for myself. WHOOPS. SOZZLE! It is simply one of those stores that you will want to buy everything but will become broke in doing so. But hey, if you want to shop hardcore you've got to pay hardcore.

If you like Asian stuff, then you'll probably like Art China. Fans, paintings/art, dividers,…read morejewellery, ornaments, traditional figurines, tea sets, chopsticks, parasols etc. are all present and accounted for. Most of the things are of the tourist-y, tradition and historical based aesthetic persuasion, and you could probably fake a trip to China by buying your friends "souvenirs" from this shop. It'd also be good for any creative project that would involve creating a Chinese set or for props. It's also good for people interested in Asian based decorating. Nonetheless, the odd piece of jewellery, ornament or picture can be interesting to someone with more varied taste. There're also quite a few practically based items, such as the chopsticks and other household based products. Overall, it's a tad too specific for your everyday browsing needs, but is good for gift shopping.

Lovely little shop with unique and interesting gifts. Definitely not one to be overlooked…read more Great for house items like cushion covers, crockery, art and unique gifts. Also with a really reasonably priced selection of jewelry and more! Friendly owners.