Okay, this is a shopping centre, and not a particularly spectacular one at that (not that I…read moreactually consider shopping centres all that spectacular, especially since they happen to be full of chain stores). However, it does have most, if not all, of the basic things that you would need if you happen to be in Northcote. However, it isn't actually a drawcard for the suburb, especially since the action on High Street is so much better. As such it seems to be a little run down and worn out in places. Actually, it seems to have two distinct sections, though I suspect that it is actually two separate shopping centres, one on each side of a narrow alley. However, I wouldn't recommend coming to Northcote just to check out the shopping centre, or even checking out if you happen to be in Northcote - there are much, much better things to do.

Northcote Plaza is very much a local shopping experience. Unless you live in the immediate area…read morethere is no reason to drop in on your way past. It is very handy for groceries. Coles, delis, bakeries and Kmart mingle with discount shops and uninspired fashion and cafe choices. A couple of chain stores are represented, but don't be mistaken, this is no Chadstone. It is very family and senior friendly in that the size makes it manageable and the cheap food options are plentiful. The shops seem to be tailored to both demographics and the clientele reflected this. Don't get me wrong, locals of all ages will appreciate the ease of which they can grab ingredients for dinner or post a letter however many outlets and area's of the mall reflect the era it was built in, the 1980's. Northcote Plaza provides everything you need from a local shopping mall, but it doesn't do it with style.

If retro trinkets, cut crystal and random antique ornaments are your cup of tea then make hast to…read moreHeidelberg Road Vintage Bazaar. This place is loaded with them, with dozens of cabinets choc-full to suit all sorts of tastes and wild collecting habits you have. If you're after retro furniture, the you should try your luck as there is an okay selection here, though it's in no way as vast as the trinkets on offer. The prices seem reasonable, perhaps because this isn't hipster territory so do pay a visit if you're in the market for something cool for our house.

From the owner: Liz Syber is always interested in buying quality Retro, Vintage and Antique wares of all…read moredescriptions. Estates inspected and bought by appointment. To book an appointment please call Liz on (03)9479 4000 or email: syber@bigpond.net.au Valuations for market sale purposes and insurance also available. Sybers Vintage Bazaar deals in: Antiques and Vintage wares Collectables Bric-a-brac Jewellery Objets d'art Oriental

Florsheim Factory Outlet sells not just Florsheim shoes but they also stock other brands such as…read moreMidas, Tony Bianco and Lipstick. They have a variety of stock that ranges form all seasons and prices are heavily reduced, so you are sure to walk away with a bargain. This is a great place to come if you are looking for a last minute purchase on the cheap. Also great for guys who are in need of business shoes or classic suit shoes.

This is one of my regularly frequented Op Shops and is of the more "cleansed" variety. The store is…read moretidy, doesn't stink of mothballs, minimal dust, "noice" stock, friendly staff and an ok selection of stock. This store kinda caters more to the ladies, theres a decent range of new (label attached) and designer items around the $15 mark as well as heaps of shoes, bags and dresses. Theres sometimes a few interesting pieces but is predominantly middle class/Northcote mum/Millers/last season Sportsgirl. Which is great if you are any of those categories. Books! Actually the do have a heap of books and an interesting selection, courtesy of the literary/cultured/artsy tilt of the neighbourhood. The store is medium-ish for an op shop and has a small and select handful of furniture, mostly nice $$ stuff like new couches, hall stands, side tables and chairs. Its not a real destination store but If you live around Fairfield its definitely worth a look (wednesdays for students and seniors on Tuesday get 20% off) .

This duel storefront on Fairfield's busy Station Street is where you will find home wares and…read morekitchen accessories in many forms. Like this review, Casa Moderna is practical and functional, not much frou frou here. Brands such as Maxwell & Williams, Baccarac, Salt & Pepper and Kitchen Aid get top billing, however you will find hundreds of brands in stock here. The store is well stocked and the sporadic sales and specials are defiantly worth checking out. Staff are helpful without being intrusive which I always appreciate. If you need something for your kitchen then Casa Moderna will satisfy all your home ware needs.

This is one of my favourite stores for anything 'kitchen'. The Team that work here are wonderful…read moreand incredibly helpful as well as having an exceptional knowledge of all their products. Fantastic, Friendly shop with quality products!

Jeans are a staple of most people's wardrobe. Accordingly, it's a good idea to make sure you buy…read morethe right pair. I know countless women who dread shopping for jeans due to the difficulty of finding a pair that truly flatters their individual figure. Enter Made to Order Industry, a business that has relocated from above a shop on Smith St in Collingwood to High St, Northcote. They do custom made jeans at a mere $200 for the first pair and $150 for each thereafter, a steal when you consider the price of high end jeans and the inevitable use most people will get out of them. The shop itself is a hybrid of a workshop out the back and a stripped back, wooden walled shop front featuring a couple of t-shirts and denim selections. The t-shirts are quirky and infused with local humour, with one with the cheeky phrase "Straight out of Croxton" being a particular winner. The proprietors are really friendly and a bit casual, so there's a good atmosphere to the whole enterprise. They're also good communicators, so you know you'll get exactly what you want (within reason). You can also check out their stuff online.