This factory outlet in the same elk as DFO and Brand Smart is in the process of re-branding itself…read more Formally Brand Junction and now Uni Hill Factory Outlet, I hope the change in brand heralds a change in store selection and atmosphere. I first dropped by after it's opening and was disappointed by the range of retail outlets. In the stores I did venture into I found cast off stock of poor quality and good quality offers without an outlet price tag. I was clearly not the only one left disappointed. The mall was totally deserted. On a Saturday afternoon before Christmas you would expect the buzz of shoppers and bargain hunters. No. I witnessed crickets and tumbleweeds. I didn't give Brand Junction a second chance until today. I was lured in by the giant posters advertising a new look factory outlet experience. Clearly that experience is yet to happen. The experience I had was worse then my initial one. Now half the shops are closed (making way for new retailers I hope) and the atmosphere even less appealing. I will give Uni Hill Factory Outlet one more chance when the overhaul is delivered, but if it fails to deliver then I'm done forever more. Three strikes and your out Brand Junction.

Bargains, bargains, bargains! Everywhere you look there's a bargain to be had!…read moreThis place has certainly grown in the last six months and now houses the largest Nike outlet in Melbourne (I believe the one on Smith Street Collingwood relocated here). All the usual suspects are here plus a book store that houses a large array of books, all for $10 each! If you're in the area pop in, if you're not in the area it's probably worth a visit anyway.

Love a bargain? DFO Essendon has a pretty good selection of brands we all love, plus it's part of…read morethis huge homemaker - like centre. Here you'll find: Freedom Furniture (massive must be full range store) the Good Guys (massive store), Nick Scali Furniture (massive), Spotlight (massive store with plenty of stock), Dan Murphys, Beacon Lighting, Adairs...you get the idea. Every store here is massive. Fashion wise, I reckon they do stock, apart from last seasons threads, current season too (hello Industrie?) which I suppose caters to all manner of taste and seasonal needs. Heck, grab some summer Quickie Rippie t- shirts in winter for summer and you're all set for what's coming next. The DFO complex is huge and there's two mid-sized food courts and a few cafes dotted throughout the place. This DFO has one main entrance and exit unlike the other DFOs which makes it less confusing to navigate a mammoth complex. Look at the map as you enter and then either go clockwise or anti-clockwise works both ways. Restrooms are in alleys between the shops just look above for the navigation signage. Plus points are tenants seem to be clustered together according to type of merchandise i.e. kitchenalia and dining are next to each other, homewares and decor, professional workwear labels are beside each other, streetwear and surf labels etc. Makes for good price checks and comparisons. Ample parking, and walking a little bit won't necessarily kill you. Just watch out for cars reversing in and out. That can get pretty hairy. Service is pretty good from almost all the shops i went into, considering its a bargain depot of sorts. Some of them were really helpful too. DFO is one of those places you can never leave without getting something anything.

This is a shopping wonderland, but also a greta place to get sick of other shoppers and leave with…read morebags full of discounted clothing/kitchenware/linen etc you may not need. Ther eis an impressive selection of shops, with almost anything available, including furnature, whiteware, electronic goods etc. Also Alcohol and stiiock feed in the area. No/poor public transport access, but there is a large car park. Bendigo Bank ATMS.

Lots of great outlet stores at the DFO! Adidas, Nike, Cotton On, a few shoe stores.. I can't name…read morethem all but I've always enjoyed coming here. The layout downstairs confuses me a bit and I get a little turned around when trying to find a store I've been to countless times. They have a food court downstairs has a really good selection of cuisines and are all reasonably priced.

Great place for a bargain and they have all the great stores for everything for the the family from…read morehats to shoes and everything in between

Hi Everything is really good. Probably should give you a…read morefive star! However, just came to Outlet Kebab, ordered a lamb kebab combo, the lady touched everything with her bare hand! Rolled the bread wearing no gloves! When I asked ,' why don't you use gloves?' Her answer was, ' cuz no other kebab shop uses it!' Wonder is Subway opposites to it does the same thing! Hygiene is a big issue at Uni hill Factory outlet! Three star - all for amazing big shops with great affordable prices!

The largest (and only?) Nike factory outlet in Melbourne is the draw card for my visits. And they…read morehave great sales at this particular outlet, often having a period of time where there will be an additional % off the already considerably marked down items. There are heaps of shops here covering bedding, homewares, kids clothes and adult fashion. There are also cafes inthin the complex and the outlets are situated in among a little shopping precinct with more cafes and specialty shops (butchers, green grocer etc). The only downside is the one hour free street parking - never enough time!!

Hidden off in a residential street away from the main centre of Oakleigh, this op-shop is a bit of…read morea hidden gem. They have one of the best CD sections I've ever come across in an op-shop. If 90's and early 2000's pop is your thing, you're bound to come out with some excellent finds. There's also often good stuff to be found in the book section, but it's a bit disorganised so it does take a bit of hunting, The biggest strength of this store is the furniture section. They tend to have quite a bit of reasonable quality furniture, especially various types of chairs.

In our quest to find un-pillaged op shops my friends and I travel to some random locations. In the…read moresouth eastern suburb of Oakleigh directly behind Chadstone (there's a small mall around there you may have heard of?) is a Vinnies worthy of note. In a quiet side street five minutes walk from the Oakleigh station this shop houses a large and decent selection of secondhand goods. The big surprise to this shop is its large furniture selection. Follow the bric a brac selection and a doorway opens to a small warehouse filled with decent furniture including couches, retro dressing tables, dining tables and select white goods. There is also an interesting selection of frames and vintage (ok just OLD) women's clothing.

Great for some cheeky bargain shopping. When this place first opened up it was a ghost town but in…read morethe last couple of years with the addition of brands like country road, seed, witchery and windsor smith all under one roof who could resist checking out the sales. Most of the above will mainly appeal to the ladies but there are shops for the guys too! Aquila, wild rhino connor and a number of shops for everyone like nike and bonds

A great establishment in the DFO South Wharf shopping complex designed to give Paul's Warehouse in…read moreSydney and Rebel Sport a real good run for their money, and in my opinion this establishment is nailing it on the price and their friendly no frills service. It is easy to find what you need, and if your stuck or a bit tight for time; the staff help you out real quick. Great for those small white Saucony gym socks for those all important body attack classes and marathon running events. I was impressed to also buy a new pair of slick Asics running shoes for only $90 (instead of $150) which was fantastic and a blessing in disguise for losing my other running shoes at the gym, and this was a Tuesday afternoon after work (while I was still a suit): great service, and thankfully a new pair of shoes in time for body pump and body attack on the trot (addicted maniac I know) that same evening, as if nothing had ever happened. A great sports retailer I would recommend to others without any hesitation. You should be able to find what you need as the range is so diverse.

This fashion boutique is at odds with the fast food options and local shopping strip staples…read more However it somehow fits in perfectly. This is the place to head if your after a South Yarra flavoured shopping experience but more down to earth and local. The Four Wicked Women clearly represent a range of sizes as sizes 8 to 18 are stocked here. This spacious and colourful shop entices you in for 'just a look' and then you happily leave arms adorned with bags! The staff are friendly and take the time to find exactly what your looking for. Four Wicked Women is no chain store and naturally the prices reflect this. This is the ideal place to visit if your after a beautiful dress for a wedding or the races, a unique clutch, well made bag or a stylish casual ensemble. Four Wicked Women has women's fashion in Macleod all sewn up!