What is shopping like in Australia?
Australia isn’t one of the world’s great shopping countries, although the variety and quality of goods on offer has improved considerably in the last few decades and the major cities can now hold their own with most countries. However, the latest products may not be available in Australia or may cost a fortune, for example, designer brands are more expensive in Australia than in many other countries. However, there’s a reasonable choice of chain, department and international stores in the major cities, and exclusive boutiques and chic stores abound in arcades and shopping centres.
The retail sector was badly hit by the credit crunch in 2008-09, particularly shops selling designer goods – you know the economy isn’t doing so well when the super-rich start cutting back! In recent years many Australians have become bargain hunters, deserting boutique and department stores for no-frills retailers and discount stores such as Big W, Harris Scarfe, Kmart and Target.
Consumers haven’t always had the best deal in Australia, where cartels and protectionism has increased prices in the past, although things have improved considerably in the last decade or so. The price of many consumer goods such as cameras, computers, electrical apparatus, household appliances, and TV and stereo systems has fallen dramatically in recent years, although you may still be better off buying some items abroad, e.g. in the US.
In stark contrast to the cities, small country towns are likely to have only a general store and a few other shops. Prices are also necessarily higher in rural areas owing to freight costs, and most people who live in the country stock up on goods and buy expensive items when visiting a city or large town, or shop by mail-order or via the internet.
There are many small, family-run stores in Australia, particularly in rural areas, small towns and the suburbs of major cities, although Australia’s shopping scene has been transformed in the last few decades with the opening of numerous large shopping centres (malls) and vast supermarkets. Following the trend in most developed countries, there has been a drift away from town centres by retailers to out-of-town shopping malls, which has left some town centres run down and deserted. However, in some areas too many shopping malls were built for too few customers and some are now being redesigned, redeveloped, reinvented or even demolished. Towns are turning to ‘street-scaping’, i.e. reviving streets by landscaping, installing traffic ‘calming’ (speed bumps) or pedestrianising them. Australian cities invariably have excellent shopping arcades, many housed in fine period buildings, and pedestrianised streets, although parking can be a nightmare.
There’s generally no bargaining or bartering in Australia, although if you plan to spend a lot of money or buy something expensive, you shouldn’t be reticent about asking for a discount (except in department and chain stores and supermarkets, where prices are usually fixed). Many shops will match any genuine advertised price, although often reluctantly. Taxes are usually included in advertised prices. Since the demise of one and two cent coins, prices have been rounded up or down to the nearest five cents. Always shop around before buying, but make sure that you’re comparing similar goods or services, as it’s easy to ‘save’ money by purchasing inferior products.
Goods made in Australia often have a green and gold symbol to distinguish them from less expensive (and supposedly inferior) goods made in Asia.
A wealth of quality arts and crafts are sold in Australia, including ceramics, embroidery, glassware, handbags, hand-woven and knitted woollen garments, hides and skins (particularly sheep- and lambskin products), jewellery (e.g. diamonds, gold, opals and pearls), leather goods, paintings, rugs, traditional Australian ‘outback’ clothing, and woodwork. Aboriginal art (of which there are many styles produced by different tribes) is popular and is best purchased direct from artists’ co-operatives or Aborigine-owned shops rather than from tourist shops. It’s cheapest in Alice Springs, Darwin and outback towns, although genuine Aboriginal art can be expensive. Aboriginal art can be purchase direct from Aboriginal owned cooperatives such as such as : http://aboriginalart.com.au and www.aboriginalaustralia.com. Bear in mind that a lot of ‘Aboriginal’ artwork is mass-produced junk, and cheap ‘fake’ Aboriginal souvenirs are also made in Asia, so before buying anything always check where it was made and obtain a guarantee.
Most shops accept major credit and debit cards, although you may be asked for proof of identification. Personal cheques aren’t usually accepted. In major cities and tourist areas you should be wary of pickpockets and bag-snatchers, particularly in markets and other crowded places. Don’t tempt fate with an exposed wallet or purse or by flashing your money around.
Many retail outlets require customers to allow staff to search their bags (excluding small bags such as handbags) when paying or leaving a shop. This is usually shown by a sign; by entering a shop you consent to having your bags searched (no sign, no checks). If you have any questions about your rights as a consumer, contact your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau, consumer affairs office or fair trading bureau. Most retailers, particularly department and chain stores, exchange goods or give a refund without question, but smaller shops aren’t so enthusiastic. The quality of service and assistance in shops ranges from excellent to poor, depending on the type of shop, although generally Australian stores aren’t renowned for their service.
For more information see Living and Working in Australia by David Hampshire
