Best Shopping in Research Melbourne — 2026 Guide

Research has genuine best shopping options that most people outside the suburb don’t know about. High Place and High Union lead the pack, but there’s depth here. The suburb sits 9-20km from the CBD in Melbourne’s Middle North region, and what it lacks in hype it makes up for in substance. Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Locals have known this for years. Whether you’re a long-time Research 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. Willow Market

Stores: ~94 Anchor: TK Maxx Also: JB Hi-Fi Food court: Mexican, bakery cafe, sushi, Chinese, fish and chips, pizza, pho Parking: Free 2-hour parking

Willow Market is the main retail hub in Research. TK Maxx anchors the centre with a full-size supermarket. Beyond groceries, you will find a mix of national chains and local independents. The food court has 7 options — Mexican and bakery cafe are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the TK Maxx entrance.

The facilities are all well-maintained. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Research 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: The TK Maxx has better specials on Wednesdays.

2. Edward Market

Stores: ~67 Anchor: Big W Also: The Reject Shop Food court: bakery cafe, Indian, Thai, pizza, sushi, Chinese, Mexican Parking: Free 3-hour parking

Edward Market is where most locals do their weekly shop in Research. Big W 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 — bakery cafe and Indian are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The parking is all convenient. The Christmas period is madness — shop online if you can. For Research 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.

3. High Hub

Stores: ~20 Anchor: ALDI Also: JB Hi-Fi Food court: Japanese, kebabs, sushi, bakery cafe Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

High Hub is a reliable shopping option in Research. ALDI 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 — Japanese and kebabs are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the ALDI entrance.

The parking is all reasonable. The Christmas period is madness — shop online if you can. For Research residents, this is the default shopping destination — nothing fancy, but functional. Click and collect is available at most stores.

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

4. Sydney Plaza

Stores: ~165 Anchor: Coles Also: Cotton On Food court: sushi, burgers, Indian, pizza, Mexican, Thai Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Sydney Plaza is a reliable shopping option in Research. Coles 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 6 options — sushi and burgers are the best of the lot. The Coles has self-checkout now, which speeds things up.

The facilities are all well-maintained. The Christmas period is madness — shop online if you can. For Research 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.

The Research That Locals Know

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham. Known for large blocks and proximity to Research-Warrandyte corridor. The best shopping options here reflect Research’s character. For Research locals and anyone in the area, 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. Research Market

Stores: ~113 Anchor: Kmart Also: Best & Less Food court: Japanese, Thai, pizza, Mexican, pho Parking: Free 2-hour parking

Research Market is where most locals do their weekly shop in Research. Kmart 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 5 options — Japanese and Thai are the best of the lot. Coffee from the in-centre cafe is surprisingly good.

The facilities are all well-maintained. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Research residents, this is the default shopping destination — nothing fancy, but functional. Click and collect is available at most stores.

Insider tip: Park on the Elizabeth Crescent side — closer to the entrance and fewer people.

6. Willow Hub

Stores: ~123 Anchor: TK Maxx Also: Chemist Warehouse Food court: kebabs, fish and chips, burgers, sushi, Japanese Parking: Street parking on surrounding streets

Willow Hub is the main retail hub in Research. TK Maxx anchors the centre with good stock and reasonable prices. Beyond groceries, you will find 118+ specialty stores including Chemist Warehouse. The food court has 5 options — kebabs and fish and chips are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the TK Maxx entrance.

The parking is all reasonable. Sunday trading hours are usually 10am-5pm. For Research 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 TK Maxx has better specials on Wednesdays.

7. Lake Market

Stores: ~148 Anchor: Kmart Also: Priceline Food court: fish and chips, Indian, bakery cafe, Thai, Mexican, pho Parking: Free 2-hour parking

Lake Market is a reliable shopping option in Research. Kmart 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 — fish and chips and Indian are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the Kmart entrance.

The facilities are all well-maintained. Sunday trading hours are usually 10am-5pm. For Research residents, this is the go-to for weekly essentials. Click and collect is available at most stores.

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

8. Research Shopping Centre

Stores: ~135 Anchor: Target Also: Supercheap Auto Food court: Mexican, Chinese, bakery cafe, Indian, kebabs, pizza, Thai Parking: Free 3-hour parking

Research Shopping Centre is where most locals do their weekly shop in Research. Target anchors the centre with good stock and reasonable prices. Beyond groceries, you will find 130+ specialty stores including Supercheap Auto. The food court has 7 options — Mexican and Chinese are the best of the lot. There is a standalone specialty coffee shop near the Target entrance.

The facilities are all convenient. Best time to shop is Tuesday mornings — empty. For Research residents, this is the default shopping destination — nothing fancy, but functional. The public toilets are near the back entrance — clean enough.

Insider tip: Park on the Charles Avenue side — closer to the entrance and fewer people.

Explore More

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

FAQ

What are the best best shopping options in Research?

The Bright Place is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Research good for best shopping?

Yes. Research has 10+ genuine options. The scene is surprisingly diverse and well worth exploring.

What is Research known for?

Semi-rural suburb bordering Eltham.

How far is Research from Melbourne CBD?

Research is 9-20km, 18-38min train, 15-28min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Research: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026