With the GFC (global financial crisis) bearing down on us, Fashionistas the world over are being challenged to spend less. But spending less does not have to mean sacrificing quality or style.
So in the interest of saving money (while still looking fabulous), we're celebrating Brisbane's brilliant factory outlet stores. Now you can treat yourself or treat someone special and never pay full price again!
If you're a savvy Recessionista, we'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and share your tips on how to save money and where to find a bargain in Brisbane.
Direct Factory Outlets
Direct Factory Outlets (or DFOs) are Brisbane's biggest outlet sale super stores. The opening of the DFO at Jindalee means that they are now trading at two convenient locations in Brisbane.
Each DFO has 100 individual retail factory outlet stores, all conveniently located under the one roof. And best of all, each individual store can offer up to 70% discounts off normal retail prices.
Both DFOs are open seven days a week (with only a few exceptions per year). See the DFO - Brisbane Airport shopping hours or the DFO - Jindalee shopping hours.
A food court operates in each outlet for those who want to make a day of it, and parents' rooms are also available.
DFO - Brisbane Airport
Brisbane's original DFO, located at 1 Airport Drive, Brisbane Airport, is easy to access from either the Gateway Motorway or the East-West Arterial Road. And don't worry about parking because the centre has over 1000 carparks that are available and free. More information about DFO Brisbane Airport.
DFO - Jindalee
The newly opened DFO outlet at 16 Amazons Place, Jindalee, has over 900 free car parking spaces and you can expect to find amazing retail discounts (up to 70% off) in over 80 of their retail outlets.
Stones Corner, Brisbane
In its hey-day Stones Corner on Logan Road, between Woolloongabba and Coorparoo, was a bargain hunter's haven for brand-name factory outlets.
In recent years, the precinct has seen some of the retailers move out but you can still find a good bargain in the remaining stores which include Cue, Jeans West, Rockmans, Colorado, Table Eight and Strandbags.
Stones Corner is only a 10 minute bus ride from the CBD and is easily accessible from all inner city locations. There is also free, yet limited, parking across from Logan Road.
Harbourtown, Gold Coast
Harbourtown at Biggera Waters is an hours drive south of Brisbane, heading towards the Gold Coast. It offers big brand names at bargain prices.
You can spend a whole day or a few hours bargain hunting in the open-air style mall - and of course there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep your energy levels up. Check the Harbourtown shopping hours and for more information about Harbourtown.
Trade Secret
Trade Secret is one factory outlet well worth a visit. It offers the latest looks and fashion essentials at up to 60% less than you would normally pay at other stores.
Trade Secret has an extensive range of big-label fashion for the entire family. Babies, toddlers, teens, men, and women are all catered for with the low-cost, high-fashion brand clothing at Trade Secret. It also has a great selection of homewares at amazing prices.
Trade Secret prides itself on supplying only quality garments and do not stock seconds or samples. With new stock arriving daily, this is one outlet store well worth dropping into regularly.
And there's four locations across Brisbane Alexandra Hills, Chermside, Macgregor and Browns Plains. So you're sure to find a bargain to suit every taste and occasion.
Pamms Guide
The Pamms Guide website has a wealth of information on outlet shopping in Brisbane, including shopping on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
Shopping Centres
If you want more information about Brisbane's city and suburban shopping centres be sure to read our city shopping guide and suburban shopping guide.
We only have 3 days in Brisbane before heading up to Maroochydore. Is Harbourtown worth the trip from Brisbane or is there good bargains to be had in Brisbane?