03 October 2024
10 mins Read
When planning a trip to Byron Bay, it never used to be about the shopping. The beaches, the rivers, the surf, the nature, the beautiful walks and the waterfalls of Bundjalung Country in the Northern Rivers of NSW were always the greater appeal. But, things have changed. Shopping in Byron has started to stand up on its own.
There are so many locally grown brands (that have always been there) and other Australian newcomers that have made Byron Bay their home. From clothes to furniture, op-shop goods to surfboards, homewares and flowers, there’s something for everyone. So, we’ve collated a selection of the best shopping areas in Byron and surrounds, just to get you started…
Founded by local Rowie Moore, this namesake brand is a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike. Rowie started selling her handmade pieces at the markets over 20 years ago; she now has two stand-alone stores in the Northern Rivers, one in Byron and one in Bangalow. The Rowie aesthetic pays homage to the effortless style of coastal towns, featuring premium fabrics and sustainable, natural materials.
Address: 1 Marvel Street, Byron Bay NSW
Nagnata’s fresh new store in the new Jonson Lane Precinct of Byron Bay should not be missed. Nagnata is the collaborative creation of sister design duo Laura May and Hannah Gibbs, and this is the place for contemporary movement knitwear that’s perfect for the studio-to-street style.
Address: 2/139 Jonson Street, Byron Bay NSW
Spell is one of the most iconic shops in all of Byron Bay. The Australian lifestyle brand is all about the Bohemian vibes and creates ready-to-wear pieces designed to instil a sense of joy, beauty and individuality. Created by sisters Elizabeth and Isabella, Spell’s designs are feminine and full of colour, lace and florals.
Address: 15 Browning Street, Byron Bay NSW
Auguste is an Australian lifestyle brand that takes inspiration from its favourite eras of fashion. Think 70s prints, 80s details and 90s silhouettes, incorporating nostalgia and a love for all things retro to create future vintage pieces. Founded by Ebony Eagles in 2015, Auguste uses consciously sourced natural fibres to create timeless products that pay homage to femininity.
Address: 7/15-19 Fletcher Street, Byron Bay NSW
A mainstay in Byron (and beyond) for many years, Mister Zimi is the place to go if you are wanting a big burst of unapologetically bright and bold colour in your wardrobe. Owners Jimi and Zoe Paul take inspiration from 70s style silhouettes, capturing the spirit of holiday relaxation through their flattering and fun designs.
Address: 5/85-87 Jonson Street, Byron Bay NSW
Other stores to keep an eye out for: Afends (also in Brunswick Heads), Arnhem Clothing, Small Wonder, The Book Room (for one of the best bookstores ever), Venroy and more.
The Habitat Precinct is a carefully curated selection of flagship stores, small boutiques and fashion labels in the Byron Art and Industry Estate. It’s also home to the Habitat Collective, their very own concept store – an emporium of beautiful things, showcasing the best of Byron’s local independent brands featuring homewares, clothing and beauty.
This is a go-to destination for the very best Australian and International designer labels. For Artists Only has a consistently impressive curation of amazing clothes, shoes, jewellery and accessories. You will find Australian brands such as Harris Tapper, Isabel Marant, Atlas, Made Worn, Rains, Outland Denim and more.
An emporium of beautiful things, Habitat Collective is in the heart of the Habitat precinct and showcases the best local independent labels, designers and artisans from around the hinterland. Think brands like Hanging Chairs, Dharma Door, Zaza Culture, Melissa Lellouche, Caddis Eye Appliances and SVF Collection.
If you’re in Byron, chances are you’ll be hitting up one of the town’s beautiful beaches. Do so in style by nabbing a swimsuit from Abysse. Not only are all the pieces well-designed and stylish, but sustainable as well. Whether you’re after a cute bikini or a full wetsuit, you’re sure to find something here.
Founded in 2005, MCM House is all about classic contemporary design at an affordable price. Shop locally and internationally designed furniture, lighting, textiles, rugs, decor and curated art, all with a focus on natural materials. If you’ve recently bought a home in the area or are simply visiting on holiday, the MCM House showroom at the Habitat Precinct offers the perfect beach-boho inspiration board.
Other stores to keep an eye out for in the Habitat Precinct: Arcaa, Fae, Department of Simple Things, One Teaspoon and Beautiflora, just to name a few.
The Byron Arts and Industry Estate is a must-visit. Just a few minutes outside of town, it is filled with lots of hidden gems such as an amazing yoga studio (hello, Creature Yoga), fashion boutiques, cafes, restaurants, wellness spaces, and art galleries.
Tigmi Trading showroom in the Arts and Industry Estate is a beautiful space. Home to a timeless collection of handmade artisan rugs, iconic vintage furniture, textiles and other artisanal objects for the modern home, founder Danielle McEwan has immaculate taste and has curated the very best of all these things. Tigmi’s timeless collections explore the intrinsic connection between quality, craftsmanship and sustainability.
JPN NATIONAL is a premium Australian brand founded by artist Marty Baptist with its heritage in art and skateboarding. The gallery and concept store celebrates both elements. You will find Baptist’s art and apparel on offer; his work combines a personal form of existentialism with raw expressionist symbolism. A lifetime lived and experienced deep within skateboard and street culture has led to the development of an authentic and unique offering.
At Zulu & Zephyr, another much-loved local Byron Bay lifestyle brand founded by sisters, you will find beautiful swimwear and apparel in its gorgeous flagship store. Creators Candice and Karla Rose are also committed to transparency around the brand’s sustainability journey and roadmap. Shops the brand’s gorgeous dresses, tops, skirts, shoes and more to walk Byron’s streets in true, luxe style.
Lara and Matt Fells are the creative duo behind this much-loved Byron Bay brand. The St. Agni store is housed in a beautiful white warehouse space tucked away in the industrial estate. At St. Agni, you will find hand-woven leather footwear, as well as functional, refined and elegant apparel in timeless silhouettes. Every garment, shoe and production process is carefully considered with sustainability and ethical responsibility in mind.
Others to keep an eye out for: Temple of the Sun Jewellery, Little Company, MARSH, Santos Organics, Mr Vintage, Byron Music and more.
Bangalow is one of many charming Byron Bay hinterland towns you need to visit – and within it, you’ll find Our Corner Store, a modern take on the traditional general store. Housed in a century-old timber shop on the main street of town (that was once the local general store!), Our Corner Store offers a beautiful selection of timeless, high-quality goods that are both beautiful and part of daily life: clothes, homewares and accessories.
Housed in a beautiful original building in Bangalow infused with timeless beauty, the original Island Luxe store is a great spot to shop (they have an outpost in Byron Bay). Shop Island Luxe’s collection of men’s and women’s apparel, jewellery, homewares, fragrances and accessories. There is also a charming little patio area to complement this stunning textural space of white and wood.
No ordinary pharmacy, this is a long-time favourite of ours. The Bangalow Pharmacy is the most beautiful pharmacy we are yet to come across. Full of charm, it carries beautiful, boutique brands such as Aesop, Astier de Villatte, Cire Trudon, and Santa Maria Novella, as well as offering friendly service from pharmacist and owner Angela and her team (who can fill your prescription as well). Another must while in Bangalow.
Mullumbimby is home to Jenn Johnston’s sun-filled home studio which is open to visitors between 9 am–3 pm from Monday to Wednesday (or other times by appointment). At the studio, you will find Jenn’s wheel-thrown and hand-built high-fired ceramic pieces that reflect her love of gardening, travel, cooking and contemporary design. Jenn also offers private classes, courses and small group workshops.
Archer Industrial is home to handmade and carefully selected Australian-made products including furniture, ceramics, hats, jewellery, artworks, clothing and more. The Archer team work closely with artisans from around the region to deliver high-quality pieces that reflect the lifestyle they live – grounded design and timeless pieces.
There are a few wonderful op shops and consignment stores to check out in and around Byron. Here are our top three.
Global Ripple is a not-for-profit store that donates all money raised back into the community. Expect to find very high-quality donations sold at good prices at the charity shop’s new home next to Bunnings on Grevillea Street (the shop’s original premises in the Byron Art and Industry Estate burned down December 2022). This is not a church-run op shop, but a private charity that raises money for a whole host of other charities.
Millar & More is a one-stop shop for luxury homewares, linen, jewellery, clothing and accessories in the heart of Bangalow. It offers a carefully curated selection of international labels that are difficult to find in Australia. Upstairs in The Attic, you will find Millar & More Preloved: a treasure trove for preloved designer clothing and accessories. This is the place to go if you have designer threads to sell or pre-loved pieces to shop for.
This former petrol station is home to the family-owned Oscar & Keane Eco Vintage Furniture, where you can find a good variety of pre-loved, vintage and retro furniture at good prices. Oscar the owner is a lover of mid-century furniture and invites those who share his passion to explore his treasure trove of finds. The store is open seven days a week, from 10 am to 4 pm.
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