Mystic Moon is an Adelaide based business with two stores, one in Tea Tree Plaza and the second in…read moreMarion Shopping Centre (called Alternative U). The two names sum up the contents of the store and its aims. As a fan of 'alternative clothing' (which I usually call my hippie-wear) I see this shop as a generic, trashier version of a truly alternative store. It sells all the usual items - like dream catchers, sterling silver jewelry with plenty of fairies and dragons, and lots of long skirts and large, flowing dresses. However, Mystic Moon makes this cheap. The dream catchers are tastelessness personified, an array of pink, sparkling feathers. The clothing is poor quality, in both make and material (just have a look at any seam to work this out), and this is supported by the price tag. Well, at least it's not poor quality and expensive. Their range of clothing is dramatically varied. You can find everything from attractive summer dresses to fisherman's pants to white crinkle cotton maid-of-the-mountains outfits. You can also but one-size-fits-all rayon ponchos in coloured animal prints. Wait, how did animal prints get into an hippie shop?! Especially PINK animal prints! The clothing brand sold in the store is called Funky U. That was when my first realisation arose - this is the consumer version of alternative. Then I spotted the super short, frilly tie-dyed dresses, and the crocheted tops, and I was certain. There are some gorgeous long skirts though, both the silken, multi-layered variety and cotton floor-length wrap-arounds. The jewelry here is standard - mystic silver, and plenty for non-standard piercings - yet there are some nice wooden bead necklaces. Their 'costume jewelry' section is slightly confusing, because it doesn't look any different to the rest of the jewelry range. They have some long chains of colourful stones that I would wear when I'm in that sort of mood. They also sell Indian-themed decorative statues, lots of Buddhas and elephants, along with those tiled bowls you see in all decor stores at the moment. And of course, there's incense, which the whole shop smells of (though not as badly as most such stores). If you could be alternative and generic at the same time, this shop would achieve it.

Mystic Moon is the staple for Christmas, Mothers Day and my Wife's Birthday, with the kids and…read moremyself guaranteed to find a necklace or two here that will suit her style right down to the ground. Beads, stones, wood, shells abound in the offerings. Prices are low enough that we frequently pick up several pieces for her and can still shop around the rest of TTP for some other items. The kids have also picked up wooden flutes each, that they still merrily squawk out tunes on once in a while. There's probably something here for everyone. Tucked away down at the far left hand corner of the store you'll find a rack with a stack of necklaces marked down. Seriously down - some from $20 down to $5... it's worth having a look through there - it may be old stock but I'm not sure this kind of stuff really goes 'out of style' like clothing :)

A family owned independent store, there are two Champs in Adelaide, one to the far north and one…read morefar south. The store in Tea Tree Plaza does a huge range of sporting shoes, along with sporting apparel and other equipment. When I spotted the store, I was hopeful of finding some sporting wear that isn't ridiculously priced. I was disappointed. They stock a smaller range than places like Rebel, and the prices are the same. I never have and never intend to spend $70 on a pair of running shorts. They have a different stock of brands than the large chains do, which is why I hoped they might be more reasonably priced. Apparently these obscure manufacturers want the same income as brands like Adidas and Nike. Their shoes are marked at a standard price. The benefit of coming here is to get prompt and good service. The store doesn't get busy like Rebel, and you're more likely to get a staff member who knows their stuff, since there's only one to choose from.