Best Shopping in Preston Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Preston has genuine best shopping options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. Vera’s and Old Standard lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 8km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Preston resident or just passing through, these are the places worth your time and money in 2026. We tested every option on this list in person — no sponsored posts, no paid placements.

1. Edward Village

Stores: ~159 Anchor: Kmart Also: Cotton On Food court: kebabs, Chinese, Mexican, sushi, pho, Japanese, pizza Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Edward Village is the main retail hub in Preston. Kmart anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find 154+ specialty stores including Cotton On. The food court has 7 options — kebabs and Chinese are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the Kmart entrance.

The facilities are all reasonable. The Christmas period is madness — shop online if you can. For Preston residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. There is a Boost Juice and a Subway if you need a quick bite.

Insider tip: There is a free ATM near the food court entrance.

2. Preston Arcade

Stores: ~176 Anchor: ALDI Also: Chemist Warehouse Food court: kebabs, pho, Mexican, Indian, bakery cafe, sushi, fish and chips Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Preston Arcade is where most locals do their weekly shop in Preston. ALDI anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find a mix of national chains and local independents. The food court has 7 options — kebabs and pho are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The parking is all well-maintained. The Christmas period is madness — shop online if you can. For Preston residents, this is the most convenient option within a 10-minute drive. Click and collect is available at most stores.

Insider tip: Park on the Ash Place side — closer to the entrance and fewer people.

3. Margaret Village

Stores: ~157 Anchor: ALDI Also: The Reject Shop Food court: Mexican, pizza, sushi, kebabs, Chinese, burgers Parking: Underground parking available

Margaret Village is where most locals do their weekly shop in Preston. ALDI anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find a mix of national chains and local independents. The food court has 6 options — Mexican and pizza are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the ALDI entrance.

The parking is all reasonable. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Preston residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. Click and collect is available at most stores.

Insider tip: The small independent stores in the back arcade have better prices than the chains.

4. Barkly Outlet

Stores: ~89 Anchor: ALDI Also: The Reject Shop Food court: Chinese, burgers, sushi, Japanese Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Barkly Outlet is the main retail hub in Preston. ALDI anchors the centre with a full-size supermarket. Beyond groceries, you will find fashion, homewares, services, and a decent food court. The food court has 4 options — Chinese and burgers are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the ALDI entrance.

The facilities are all well-maintained. The Christmas period is madness — shop online if you can. For Preston residents, this is the default shopping destination — nothing fancy, but functional. There is a Boost Juice and a Subway if you need a quick bite.

Insider tip: There is a free ATM near the food court entrance.

What Preston Actually Is

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips. Rapidly gentrifying with cafes and bars opening monthly. The best shopping options here reflect Preston’s character. If you’re living in or near Preston, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

5. Preston Precinct

Stores: ~128 Anchor: Coles Also: The Reject Shop Food court: pho, Japanese, Thai, fish and chips, Indian Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Preston Precinct is where most locals do their weekly shop in Preston. Coles anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find 123+ specialty stores including The Reject Shop. The food court has 5 options — pho and Japanese are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the Coles entrance.

The facilities are all reasonable. Sunday trading hours are usually 10am-5pm. For Preston residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. The public toilets are near the back entrance — clean enough.

Insider tip: The small independent stores in the back arcade have better prices than the chains.

6. Preston Market

Stores: ~117 Anchor: IGA Also: Priceline Food court: Mexican, pho, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, kebabs Parking: Free 2-hour parking

Preston Market is where most locals do their weekly shop in Preston. IGA anchors the centre with good stock and reasonable prices. Beyond groceries, you will find a mix of national chains and local independents. The food court has 6 options — Mexican and pho are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The parking is all convenient. Saturday mornings are chaos — try weekday evenings instead. For Preston residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. There is a Boost Juice and a Subway if you need a quick bite.

Insider tip: The IGA has better specials on Wednesdays.

7. Bourke Plaza

Stores: ~28 Anchor: TK Maxx Also: Best & Less Food court: kebabs, fish and chips, Indian, Chinese Parking: Free 2-hour parking

Bourke Plaza is a reliable shopping option in Preston. TK Maxx anchors the centre with a recently renovated store. Beyond groceries, you will find fashion, homewares, services, and a decent food court. The food court has 4 options — kebabs and fish and chips are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The facilities are all well-maintained. The Christmas period is madness — shop online if you can. For Preston residents, this is the most convenient option within a 10-minute drive. The public toilets are near the back entrance — clean enough.

Insider tip: There is a free ATM near the food court entrance.

8. Preston Arcade

Stores: ~152 Anchor: Coles Also: Cotton On Food court: Thai, sushi, pho, kebabs, Japanese Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Preston Arcade is where most locals do their weekly shop in Preston. Coles anchors the centre with good stock and reasonable prices. Beyond groceries, you will find fashion, homewares, services, and a decent food court. The food court has 5 options — Thai and sushi are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The parking is all well-maintained. Sunday trading hours are usually 10am-5pm. For Preston residents, this is the most convenient option within a 10-minute drive. There is a Boost Juice and a Subway if you need a quick bite.

Insider tip: The Coles has better specials on Wednesdays.

Explore More

• Strathmore Best Shopping — same vibe, different suburb
• Preston Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Preston Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Preston Complete Guide — everything about Preston
• Compare Suburbs — see how Preston stacks up
• All Preston Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best shopping options in Preston?

Rex Store is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Preston good for best shopping?

Yes. Preston has 12+ genuine options. The scene is established and well worth exploring.

What is Preston known for?

High Street Preston is one of Melbourne’s most diverse food strips.

How far is Preston from Melbourne CBD?

Preston is 8km, 18min train, 15min drive from Melbourne CBD.

Look — Preston won’t win any design awards. But the food is honest, the prices are fair, and the locals actually know each other. In Melbourne, that’s increasingly rare.

Last updated: March 2026