The Reading Newmarket Shopping Centre is a curious place. It has this funny blend of class, health,…read moreand yet still retains that slightly bogan feel that shopping complexes seem to have. The thing I like about the Newmarkets shopping centre is its design. Rather than making your way through the bland indoor shopping centres, this one is all mainly on the outside, nice, breezy and open. The complex is clean and has a good open parking area on the ground floor as well as covered parking underneath the complex. The shops have been worked in well to blend with the Newmarket Hotel, which houses a Grill'd underneath. There are a selection of food shops to eat at including two bakeries, a sushi shop, Indian, pizza and more. The trendy Vinnies Cafe and Deli is always a buzz with people and Divine Flowers adds a little bit of class to the centre. There is a Commonwealth Bank, newsagent, hairdresser and beauty salon on the ground floor as well as the Coles Supermarket. You could easily be forgiven to think that the shops are only on the ground floor but when you look up you can see a range of health related businesses such as Life Tec, and physios. The Reading Newmarket Shopping Complex is great for locals but does not offer enough to warrant a special trip there.

Reading Newmarket is the result of years and years of promises, hopes, disappointments, and,…read morewithout a doubt, quite a bit of blood, sweat, and tears. Once a giant carpark, it now seeks to be the face of the New Newmarket: trendy, on the pulse, something for everyone. And it... kind of succeeds. The greatest problem I have with these sorts of shopping centres is how they start out with such grand ambitions and then quickly realise that most people just want run-of-the-mill takeaway (by those being the only stores that survive). After a couple of years, though, it seems to have finally settled (though goodness knows someone needs to tell prospective owners that the dress shop place is cursed for dress shops). The highlights here are: Vinnies (which I've reviewed elsewhere); and the florist (which is extremely expensive, but also stunning). The Coles is your average Coles (but until it was here, one had to abysmal one in Ashgrove, or even further to The Gap or Toowong), and there's also a Grill'd, Subway, Indian takeaway, Red Box Noodle bar, Baker's Delight and a sushi takeaway (all of which are as good as one would expect). Upstairs are several medical places: a dentist, QML, and a mobility services centre (which is now accessible from a lift in the lower carpark). Finally, there's a post office, a discount bookstore, a... glasses shop (?), a newsagents (the second, which appeared about 6 months after the first went out of business), and there's always some new dress shop that has popped up to replace the last one that went out of business. It is a bit of a shame that there couldn't be more... life in the complex: some new exciting restaurants, or innovative book/music/video stores. There did used to be a Mango House homewares store here, which was absolutely fantastic, but unfortunately that closed. Hopefully, though, the area will continue to grow, and perhaps we will see greater things from it in future (and please don't let the florist or Vinnies go!)

Karene A is right, those looking for a second hand store experience that earns them hipster cred or…read morekitsch points should look elsewhere for their fix. That's not to say that you won't find items that fit that bill at the Red Hill Salvos Store but it's unlikely. Red Hill Salvos has been a spot I've spent many a hour searching for homewares, books and on the odd occasion kooky costumes for a 70s highschool teacher inspired photo shoot. This is the spot you come to if you're looking for something unique for your home- something that tells a story and stands out from the run of the mill flat pack furniture. On many occasions I've found (much to my delight) fantastic crystal pieces including small milk jugs perfect for the kitchen table, vases and other knick knacks for my home. If you're in the market for larger furniture items that tell a story and have a bucket load of character then be sure to wander into their back shed area where you'll find enough desks, dining tables, chairs and wardrobes to fit any decor or need. While I've done my fair share of 'shopping' here it has also been a fine spot to give items I no longer need a new home. Books, clothes and other kitchen items that I no longer need are donated to a good cause and handing them directly to their warehouse teams means I'm safe in the knowledge my donations are not being ruined by weather waiting for a donation bin to be emptied.

Rummaging through the piles of second-hand goods here, one is sure to pick up a bargain antique…read moretreasure. While it's not the place to pick up quality retro clothing, you will find plenty of old picture frames, antique furniture (banged up antique furniture but it's all about character, right?), vinyl records, old-school suitcases and shelves and shelves full of cute little statues and retro kitchenware that all looks like it should be in Grandma's kitchen. Their pricing system is a little haphazard; the price markers seem to know the value of some of the antique items but overlook others. Sometimes I can pick up an old suitcase or port for $20 whereas on other visits the same sort and quality item will be upwards of $50. There are definitely bargains to be had if you visit regularly though. As well as lots of really old stuff (I'm full of such technical terms), they also have plenty of newer second hand furniture, linen, toys, sports equipment and a section with discounted supermarket items such as toilet paper, shampoo, detergent etc.

This Salvo's is a real hit and miss affair. It looks promising to start with, it's a big shop by…read moreop-shop standards, and as it's off the 'vintage' beaten path a shopper could be excused for feeling a frisson of bargain hunting excitement. The pro's of this Salvo's are definitely furniture / homewares. No amazing vintage finds, however they had some very good furniture pieces that would represent solid value for money for struggling students or families. Ditto in homewares, I got a great Deco cake container for $5 (with the cake lift out, God I love that), however their cake tins were about what you would pay for a new one. Oddly enough, they also had quite a good range of new discounted household products such as toilet paper, detergent and washing powder. Cons of this Salvo's are clothes and books. Part of this is the fact that geographically Australia is in Asia, which makes it so cheap to buy new clothes and books here. Why would you pay $10 for a pair of shorts with a stain on them when stores like Trade Secret exist? Ditto for books, I found a seafood cookbook I wanted, but it said $15 on it! I took it to the counter, and he marked it down to $10. I bought it, however it's a sad fact that book stores across the country are going out of business and it seems every shopping centre has an outlet where incredible books can be bought for $10 or less. If you're in the neighbourhood it's worth going for a look at this store, but I wouldn't be putting it on any shopping tours any time soon.

Agree with Sun E - this Salvos was really over priced and disappointing, the clothes and book being…read morethe worst. The cheap plastic homewares that should be cheap were generally $5 and over, but i did find some cool retro bar accessories. I would recommend the Salvos at Red Hill that has more range and better pricing than this store.

I visited the museum and jewelry store when they were in a strip mall at the edge of brisbane…read more They had lots of information and lovely stuff at reasonable prices. Also awesome stuff for the richer shopper. My daughter was at a conference in the center of the city and I told her to taxi over on her lunch hour and pick her Christmas present. Sadly I have not been back sincfavor. Mo Ed into a larger space for the museum but I have made several online orders (from California usa). The business is very reliable. The size and the quality is as expected and small packages arrive very fast from eastern australia.. Get on his mailing list. There are sales several times a year which are quite good value. Shipping to the states you don't pay the sales tax and the exchange rate has been in our favor

This establishment showcases beautiful pieces of all sorts of opals! The knowledgeable and…read moreenthusiastic staff were quick to help and show us around their museum. I was able to learn new things, and I thought I knew a lot already. Customer service truly is number one here! Being able to visit an Opal museum/shop in Australia has been a huge dream of mine since I was just a little girl 'ooo-ing' and 'ahh-ing' over these fiery treasures. My dream couldn't have come to fruition at a better location.