Newcastle is full of little boutiques, high fashion, stylish designers and curious shops full of trinkets and oddities. The Junction, Darby St and Islington are all excellent places to wile away an afternoon window shopping, or to find the perfect gift for the folks back home. Whatever you are looking for, Newcastle will have you covered.
Studio Melt is home to over 40 independent jewellery designers, and a fantastic array of collectables from artists and makers across Australia and around the world, including handmade ceramics, limited edition prints, textiles, and so much more. The space is unique, a working studio which allows customers to interact with the artesans, and creates a wonderful and rare shopping experience. Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 3pm, and Sunday 10am to 2pm.
A fascinating crossover of handmade leatherwork and vintage fashion, Hide and Seeker functions as both a workshop (out the back) and a bricks-and-mortar shop front, allowing owners Geordie and Eartha to work and sell at the same time. The shop itself is full of lovingly crafted leather goods - belts, bags, key rings, clutches - and some fascinatingly exotic vintage fashion. If you can, sneak a peek into the workshop for a glimpse into how the magic happens! Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday 5am to 4pm. Closed Monday.
Betty Mim specialises in unique treasures and textiles, paper goods, jewellery, fashion and homewares, all lovingly and personally curated by owner Sarah Plooy. Sarah’s love of each and every piece comes through strongly in the atmosphere of the shop, which is warm, cosy and inviting. Handmade jewellery from independent designers is the main event here, with Dinosaur Designs, Naomi Murrell, and Jones & Co all regularly available. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 10am to 3pm.
Scout’s picturesque wooden door and blue-washed subway tiles open up into a beautifully designed independent boutique stocking a wonderful range of pieces from makers and creators across Australia and around the world. The attention to detail on the interior design of the shop complements the excellent selection of crafts, jewellery, accessories and fashion, and makes a trip to Scout a genuinely lovely experience, whether you buy anything or not! Open from 9:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Wednesday, 9:30am to 6pm Thursday and Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
High Tea with Mrs Woo is the artisanal collaboration of three sisters - Rowena, Juliana and Angela Foong. The flagship store of an Australian-made, small run clothing label, they have a wonderful story, and dressmaking skills to match. With every item of clothing handmade, you’ll find some eye-catching, one-of-a-kind pieces, as well as a small but lovely range of carefully chosen jewellery, shoes and accessories. Open Tuesday to Friday from 11am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday 11am to 3pm.
The new kid on the block, on bustling, fashionable Darby St, Steel and Anchor is a top new boutique specialising in menswear, with a particular focus on gifts. The space has been transformed into the ultimate man cave, with leather goods, watches, shaving products and beautifully designed products galore. If you are looking for an alternative to the women’s fashion that sometimes feels like it dominates Darby, this is the bolthole for you! Open Monday to Wednesday from 9:30am to 5:30pm, Thursday to Friday 9:30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, and Sunday 10am to 4pm.