Melbourne on the cheap: Shopping

If cheap makes you cheerful, here's where to look...

Scour the clearance gear
The stretch of Collingwood’s Smith Street between Johnston Street and Alexandra Parade is packed with clearance and factory outlets, including Adidas, Converse, Brands United, Mountain Designs, Table Eight and the Golf Clearance Outlet. The truly committed could even take a shopping tour bus that will stop at other warehouse hotspots.

See it, want it, clear it

It’s never a good idea to walk into Clear It with a time limit. Let’s face it – at bottom-line prices, you’re going to be there for hours. Cancel all subsequent plans and devote yourself to rummaging through the racks and bins for the best bargains in town (we’re talking hats from Dangerfield for $3, Alannah Hill belts for $5). Then take what you saved and spend it on more clothes. It’s practically free money.

Play swapsies with the Clothing Exchange. The ethically minded ladies behind it combine sustainable living with fashion and hold regular clothes swapping events. At the last one Time Out went to, a bunch of media including current affairs programmes were watching and filming with great interest – so to be part of this social enterprise, sign up to their email list and get first jump on tickets. Keep an eye on their website for the next few events.

Melbourne's best markets

Melbourne's bazaars have got the goods, from farm-fresh produce to arts and crafts. Tuesday through Sunday, there's one happening near you...