Please upgrade your web browserYou’re using a browser that we don’t support. To get the best experience using our site, we recommend you upgrade to a newer browser – please see our supported browsers list.
Cathay BusinessHelp and support
  • Sign in / uponeworld
    Please upgrade your web browserYou’re using a browser that we don’t support. To get the best experience using our site, we recommend you upgrade to a newer browser – please see our supported browsers list.
    Cathay Pacific
    The indie shopping guide to Sydney
    One of the best parts about a holiday abroad is exploring local shops – and returning home with enviable new wares. These are the stores to visit on your next trip to Sydney
    A street view of Chinatown Country Club in Queen Victoria Building shopping centre during daytime in Sydney CBD, Australia
    Find the best fares to
    Sydney

    Exploring a city through the fabric of its creative industry is one of the best ways to discover spots that are off the typical tourist track. When it comes to shopping, Sydney, Australia offers up an exciting array of independent stores to explore. And supporting local businesses and uncovering hidden gems are made even better when you use your Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard® to rack up more miles with overseas spending.  

    Nestled in leafy suburban streets and chic city-fringe neighbourhoods, these independent stores feature everything from coveted Australian fashion brands and bespoke tailoring to unique homewares and hand-crafted jewellery. 

    The Standard Store founders Nicola and Orlando Reindorf sitting on the steps of the shop in Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia
    A view inside The Standard Store in Surry Hills, Sydney filled with racks of clothes and shelves of fashion accessories
    A close up of The Standard Store shop sign outside during daytime in Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia

    Contemporary fashion

    The Standard Store

    You’ll find the Sydney outpost of The Standard Store in the heart of Surry Hills, a neighbourhood known for its creative energy and passion for challenging the status quo across food, fashion and everything in between. Catering to both men and women, their offerings range from an eclectic selection of heritage brands to emerging labels from around the world. Discover Australian brands like A.Emery, Esse Studios and Haulier to name a few.  

    A curated selection of books and magazines  on floating wooden shelves inside Chinatown Country Club fashion concept store in Sydney CBD, Australia
    An interior view of a wall of floating wooden shelves behind an espresso machine and barista counter inside Chinatown Country Club in Sydney CBD, Australia
    An interior view of Chinatown Country Club showroom decorated with a clothing rack, stylish mirror and luxurious furnitures in Sydney CBD, Australia

    Chinatown Country Club 

    A super-clean aesthetic dominates the interiors of the experiential space, cafe and library at Chinatown Country Club . Located in Sydney’s CBD, it’s part concept store and part creative chill-out zone. The team is extremely passionate about creating an inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable in. You’ll find a range of up-and-coming designers hanging on the racks alongside established favourites, for both men and women. Highlights include brands like Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, Martine Rose and Studio Nicholson.

    Incu, The Galeries 

    Incu is a local favourite. And although the brand has a number of stores scattered across the city, the mens- and womenswear offerings in The Galeries are second to none. On the ground floor, you’ll find two women’s stores: one filled with international and Australian designer clothes (think labels like Wynn Hamlyn, Anna Quan and Matteau), the other exclusively showcasing the latest shoes, bags, jewellery and accessories from the likes of A.P.C., Acne Studios and more. 

    On the level below, the menswear offerings span local favourites, such as PAM and COMMAS, as well as a tightly curated edit of international designers. Keep your eyes out for pieces from the well-loved in-house collection, Incu, across all locations.     

    Maplestore 

    Maplestore has two Sydney outposts: its Newtown flagship and another in the harbourside suburb of Balmain. As a culture-filled precinct, Newtown is filled with aesthetic flair – and Maplestore embodies the area’s eclectic, bohemian spirit perfectly.

    The shelves are well-stocked with denim and wardrobe classics, but you’ll also find your fair share of head-turning pieces. Distributed throughout the clothing is a charming collection of books and lifestyle accessories, which make great gifting options.

    An art deco minibar decorated with green plants and a staircase in the courtyard of bespoke tailor shop Belance in Paddington, Australia
    An interior view of Belance showroom featuring various styles of dress shoes and bespoke suits hanging on the display wall
    An interior view of Belance store facing the courtyard, showcasing a white bespoke suit and bow tie on display

    Belance 

    Dedicated to balance, simplicity and sustainability, Belance offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. With a focus on bespoke tailoring, it's best to make an appointment at their Paddington boutique (known to those in the know as Casa Belance) if you’re looking to take home a truly memorable memento. From smart-casual styles to luxe tuxedos that will level up your eveningwear collection, the common thread here is high quality.  

    P.Johnson Femme 

    From bespoke tailoring to thoughtful ready-to-wear pieces, P.Johnson’s newly minted womenswear showroom is a must-visit in the streets of leafy Paddington. Housed in a converted terrace, the space is filled with colour, whimsy and theatrics – a surprising contrast to the brand’s pared-back approach to wardrobe classics. Invest in finely crafted suiting, elegant silk separates and elevated denim while indulging in the drama of the modern atelier. 

    Lucy Folk

    Lucy Folk’s sun-filled store on William Street in Paddington embodies the brand’s bohemian approach to dressing. Bespoke jewellery services offer the chance to create an heirloom piece in collaboration with master jeweller Craig Spark, though the seasonal collections of pendants, rings and bracelets are equally as special. You’ll also find signature holiday attire alongside elegantly embroidered dresses and handcrafted silk two-piece sets. 

    The Intersection Paddington 

    A hub of Australian fashion, The Intersection is a shopper’s paradise. Highlights include KITX’s flagship, as well as boutiques from Lee Mathews, Venroy, Bassike, Camilla and Marc, Natasha Schweitzer, and New Zealand label Maggie Marylin’s only Australian offering.  Beauty aficionados should stop by Aesop and Mecca or make an appointment at FENN for one of the city’s best facials.  

    A woman wearing denim jacket and pants standing infront of the shop window of vintage fashion store Uturn in Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia

    Credit: Uturn

    A collection of vintage clothes hanging at the display window of Uturn store during daytime facing the street in Surry Hills, Sydney, Australia

    Credit: Uturn

    Vintage

    Swop and Uturn

    Vintage fans are sure to find a gem or two in Sydney. Some of the city’s most fashionable residents rate Swop and Uturn as the best places to pick up pre-loved pieces, and, while both stores have an ever-changing selection, they’re consistently treasure troves of clothes, shoes and accessories.  

    An exterior view of Provider Store storefront, glass window and wooden bench during daytime
    Provider Store founder Tara Bennett sitting at a wooden counter with flower decoration
    A close up view of ceramic bowls, cups, plates, wooden chopsticks, paper fan, fragrance and home accessores on display on a wooden shelf

    Homewares and gifts

    Title, Provider Store and more...

    If your suitcase is starting to fill up but you haven’t found a souvenir for everyone on your list just yet, don’t miss Sydney’s enviable homewares and gifting stores. Title is the perfect place to find rare vinyl, an eclectic selection of coffee table books and even international films.  

    Provider Store’s signature refillable candles and elegant Japanese wares are all crafted with the purpose to be both artful and functional. The tiny store is filled with beautiful unique finds, including an impressive selection of antique cabinets, vases, bags and more.. 

    For more whimsical homewares, check out Maison Balzac’s kaleidoscopic glass-filled showroom in Surry Hills, as well as the In Bed store on Oxford Street.

    More inspiration

    Sydney travel information

    Country / Region
    Australia
    Language
    English
    Airport code
    SYD
    Currency
    AUD
    Time zone
    GMT +09:00/10:00
    Climate
    Humid subtropical
    Country / Region
    Australia
    Time zone
    GMT +09:00/10:00
    Currency
    AUD
    Airport code
    SYD
    Language
    English
    Climate
    Humid subtropical
    Find the best fares to
    Sydney
    Feedback
    Chat with us
    Back to top
    Feedback
    We're sorry. We've encountered a system error and are unable to process your request. Please try again later.
    We're sorry. We've encountered a system error and are unable to process your request. Please try again later.
    Thank you
    Your feedback will help us improve our website experience.
    If you have questions that require a response, please contact us for assistance.