Where to Shop Like a Local In and Around Bondi
Browse beachside boutiques and long-standing local shops to buy a slice of the healthy, active lifestyle — from locally grown veggies to eco-friendly leisurewear.
Where to Shop Like a Local In and Around Bondi
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Browse beachside boutiques and long-standing local shops to buy a slice of the healthy, active lifestyle — from locally grown veggies to eco-friendly leisurewear.
Bondi is so much more than the most famous beach in the country. The surfside suburb may only be 20 minutes from Sydney's CBD, but it always feels a world away from the shopping malls in the city. There's a relaxed and health-and-environmentally conscious vibe no matter where you shop, from the organic butchers to the eco-friendly health and beauty stores. You can find everything you need to live comfortably by the coast — all within walking distance of the sand — and it feels good to be supporting proud family-owned businesses and local shop owners while you do it.
To help you avoid the tourist traps, we've picked our favourite places to shop small in the beachside 'burb, with a little help from American Express. These local stores will be happy to help you find what you need — and you can shop small here with your Amex Card.
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PLAYA by Lucy Folk is the brainchild of a Melbourne-based goldsmith of the same name and her love for the beach. This baby pink jewellery store is set just behind the main beach strip on Hall Street. Inside the bright and vibrant boutique, there’s a select range of beach-ready bling, from taco-shaped rings to crocheted gold earrings. It’s a symbol of the new, minimalist Bondi, and the range of playful designer sunglasses tend to fly off the shelves, as does the line of towelled purses and ponchos in chic pastel print — a must for any beach day.
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A veteran of Bondi Road, Sam’s was one of the suburb’s first fully organic food distributors over 20 years ago, and it remains a trailblazer of the health-conscious meat movement that provides for the best Bondi barbecues. The owner himself is always behind the counter, ready to chat, and accompanied by a gorgeous selection of hanging meats; he has an intimate knowledge of the produce in-store and is happy to guide you. This pristine, white-tiled butchery has a surprisingly warm feeling to it, with crowded tables stacked to the max and everything from artisan foie gras to honeycomb tripe. Locals trust Sam to always stocks the best — so come with an open mind (and an empty stomach).
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Annex is one of the oldest men’s clothing stores in Bondi at 15 years old, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at its designs. This menswear store on Gould Street knows exactly who it makes clothes for: beachside arty types who occasionally have to hit the big city for client meetings. The store works monochromatic tones into breathable, clean-cut clothing that looks just as good at south Bondi Beach as it does on Pitt Street. The understated dark linens are part of the Bondi uniform for any occasion. The shop’s staff is helpful and passionate about the clothing and always up for a chat in the effortlessly cool store.
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Bondi has the kind of natural wonder most places in the world can only dream of, so it’s no wonder store owners are so environmentally aware. Located on the immaculate boutique-lined Gould Street, Bondi Wash is proudly peddling Australia’s best botanical scents. Founded by local Belinda Everingham, Bondi Wash has shampoos, body washes and cleaning products all made with native fragrances. Since opening, the store has expanded beyond scents to cater to all corners of the beach house with natural dog wash, organic, ocean-friendly surface cleaners and a host of skincare products perfect for sensitive skin.
Image: Josh White.
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Maggie May Flowers manages to exude the feel of a breezy Bondi summer all year long through its bright and luscious blooms. Just off the town centre on Glenayr Avenue, this shaded, open-plan florist is an ode to the Bondi of days gone by and somewhat of a local secret. Owner Maggie May helps locals send big, beautiful arrangements from native bouquets to spring peonies and a host of shady succulents. The shop delivers all over the city, but it’s a pleasure to drop by for a chance to talk to the owner about her little slice of heaven and take a bunch home for yourself.
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Chic activewear is an essential part of the Bondi dress code, so it’s no wonder locals tend to congregate around places like Nimble. Found on the tranquil Hall Street, this is an activewear store known for its community spirit and eco-conscious clothing. Pick up a pair of recycled-plastic leggings and join one of the store’s organised beach cleanups, or take part in the run club or a community yoga class in the minimalist, wood-panelled shop space. Plus, if you’re in search of a bargain, it tends to offer sales alongside all its events.
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Harry’s has one of the best spots in Bondi, located right across the road from the water, in amongst the gleaming beachfront homes and art deco shop fronts on Wairoa Avenue. The cafe has been catering to locals for over 20 years, some of whom still come in daily. As one of the first cafes to go full-fledged organic, Harry’s knows a thing or two about wholesome living. Try the vegan rainbow burger matched with a turmeric ginger kombucha for the authentic Bondi comfort feed, or bask in the holiday vibes that come with brunch cocktails and wine service that starts from 10am.
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Walk any street of Bondi and you’re sure to be met by adorable puppies, always pamper-fresh and ready for a pat. As dogs are somewhat of a beach-lifestyle must-have, so too is a trusted groomer. Head to the busier Oxford Street in Bondi Junction to find Dogue — a distinctly luxe puppy pampering palace. It offers gold tasting plates of New Zealand mussels, doggy-friendly shepherd’s pie and the full scope of celebrity chef Pete Evans’ dog food line, so they know how to treat pets like royalty. The store also offers puppy training and daycare facilities, plus pet-related accessories — think collars, bedding and more toys than your puppy pal could ever need.
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Modern Bondi is the epicentre of all the latest health-food trends, so the desire for fresh and minimal-intervention produce is in high demand. This is why Nio and Tony’s is legendary in the area. The neighbourhood store has provided the goods since 1976, growing from a humble fruit and veg stall into a famously family-run grocery spot on Campbell Parade. You can affordably fill a picnic basket with its carefully selected produce and skip down to the water in mere minutes. Live your best life — the locals do every day.
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An essential part of the Bondi lifestyle is eating well and healthily. The Health Emporium, on Bondi Road, is one of the most long-loved grocery stores in the area. It has just about every type of organic product, from locally grown fruit and veg to a makeup line and vitamin dispensary. This grocer-cafe hybrid stacks its shelves with hard to get health foods and uber-natural ingredients, including a ‘make-your-own nut butter’ area and a bookshelf filled with organic cookbooks for you to peruse over a coffee or super smoothie by the window.
