Retail in the Melbourne CBD is re-opening, including two of the CBD’s most beloved laneway precincts – QV Melbourne and 80 Collins – ready to welcome people back to the city for a summer like no other, following this week’s easing of retail restrictions by the Victorian Government.
QV Melbourne is the city’s laneway destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. Home to the CBD’s largest Woolworths supermarket, as well as Big W, Dan Murphy’s, Officeworks, Harvey Norman and Domayne, QV’s diverse fashion and entertainment options re-opened on Friday, 29 October, while revellers will rejoice at the expanded seating on offer at dining and drinks venues.
Visitors will discover different dining in the QV laneways, with distinct options showcasing some of Melbourne’s most authentic Asian fare. Along the Artemis Lane restaurant precinct, contemporary Chinese food and drinks institution Old Beijing will re-open on Friday, joining already trading venues such as Thai Town, Sura Korean BBQ and Ippudo in welcoming back customers to re-experience dining in.
Along Swanston St, several of QV’s biggest fashion stores welcomed back late-night CBD shopping, throwing open their doors on Friday, 29 October, including Footlocker, Universal Store and Hype DC. Off-White and many other high-end fashion retailers, including the much-loved Albert Coates Lane boutiques, will re-open on Saturday, 30 October.
QV Melbourne is working with retailers to program a summer in the city that makes every day count. Special events, offers and entertainment will roll out, all the way to March. The summer program will launch on 8 November.
The 80 Collins precinct has reinvigorated the Paris end of Collins St, establishing itself as a new landmark for luxury retail and dining in the heart of the CBD. On 5 November, 80 Collins’ newest resident, Chris Lucas’s Yakimono, will open its doors, further cementing the precinct’s positioning as the city’s premier dining and drinks destination. Lucas’s Society reopened on 5 November, with reservations now open for both establishments.
Yakimono and Society join other 80 Collins tastemaker venues, including Farmer’s Daughters, Nick and Nora’s and Handpicked Cellar Door to provide a full in-venue dining experience, just in time to celebrate the Cup Day long weekend. Melburnians and travellers who are seeking ultimate city escape can also check into Next Hotel Melbourne at 80 Collins, with bookings now open for stays.
Across town, Galleria Melbourne retailers along Elizabeth St will commence re-opening, with Kathmandu scheduled to open on 30 October and Belles Hot Chicken now taking dine-in bookings.
“We are thrilled to have reached this moment, where all our Melbourne precincts are reopening their doors. People are returning to the city in droves, while the much-anticipated opening of Yakimonois causing extra excitement at 80 Collins,” says Dexus City Retail Centre Manager Arabella Richards.
It’s all about fun, tactile and engaging experiences to enjoy with your favourite people, as our vibrant city celebrates its renaissance.”
Customer health and safety will continue to be at the forefront across Dexus’s CBD precincts 80 Collins, QV Melbourne and Galleria Melbourne, with the following safety measures in place:
• Daily Deep Cleaning: the precincts will undergo daily high-touch cleaning.
• QR code check-in points will operate at all precinct entrances and/or retail
store entrances and customers will be expected to check-in, wear a face mask
indoors as required and maintain social distance at all times.
• Queue management will be in place where required for selected retailers.
• QV Melbourne offers online ordering in the Urban Market Food Court and
QV Square, which allows customers to take a seat, scan the QR code and place
their order, including nominating a preferred pick-up time.
Individual store opening times will vary, so please contact stores directly. Precinct hours will be updated regularly at 80collins.com.au, qv.com.au and galleria.com.au.
Images: Carmen Zammit