

So much more than bricks and mortar: the city’s best in-store experiences

It’s true that online shopping offers value, but the whole experience is just so two dimensional. Thankfully, it seems a new retail era is dawning with increasing numbers of consumers drawn to the ‘experience’ of shopping. We’re craving more personalised customer service and opportunity to smell, taste and touch our purchases in surrounds that inspire us to buy.
Assault your senses by checking out these unique in-store experiences.
Mecca Cosmetica
Shop T16, Forrest Chase, Perth, (08) 9325 9294 & Myer, Perth, (08) 9265 5772.
Ahhh Mecca – the bright, shiny heartland for beauty addicts. Step through the neon-lit doors (there are two stores to choose from in the city), to experiment with a luxurious collection of leading global make-up brands, high tech skincare and exquisite fragrances.
From start to finish, the retro-designed boutiques aim to provide a bespoke experience to every customer. Chat to fragrance and skincare specialists, have expert beauty consultants teach you the tricks of the trade and attend exclusive in-store events. And our favourite part? Sit one-on-on with trained make-up artists and have your face professionally applied – the cost of your application is redeemable on Mecca’s cult collection of products. Visit their website to check out their products.
Koko Black
140 William Street, Perth, (08) 9226 3929.
The Koko Black store on William Street looks slicker than most, but that’s not the only reason we visit. Daily chocolate tastings allow visitors to sample the company’s handcrafted treats and gleaming glass cabinets display a mouth-watering array of truffles, pralines, blocks of chocolate and gifts.
Even vegans have something to drool over. Amidst the spotless glass and industrial black streel, visitors can kick back in the lounge – a cosy café where the signature Belgian hot chocolate, Koko’s exclusive blend of coffee, cakes and other desserts are hard to pass up. Visit their website here.
designFARM
1000 Hay Street, Perth, (08) 9322 2200, designfarm.com.au
Housed in a three-storey heritage building, Design Farm is a haven for authentic, original lighting and furniture from celebrated international and Australian designers.
A replica-free zone, the store’s ground floor inspires with an every-changing display of residential furniture. The first floor is home to the store’s commercial collection, and an interactive hub where clients can workshop their design needs with experts and browse material samples. And on the basement level, spend forever lusting after the contemporary and mid-20th Century-inspired furniture from iconic brands such as Louis Poulson, Great Dane and Carl Hansen & Son. For more inspirational interior photos, visit their website.
Uncle Joe’s and Cold Wave
72-74 King Street, Perth.
Step off King Street and into Uncle Joe’s, located down a laneway covered in grungy street press in a rustic heritage warehouse. Uncle Joe’s is three venues in one – a funky cafe (Uncle Joe’s Mess), barbershop (Uncle Joe’s Barber) and vintage men’s streetwear and sneaker boutique (Cold Wave).
You could pop in for a quick cuppa, but with its laid back tunes and edgy, relaxed vibe, we’re sure you’ll want to linger longer – enjoy brunch, get a new ‘do’ and some stylish threads for the weekend.
State Buildings
Cathedral Square, corner of St Georges Terrace and Barrack Street, Perth.
The State Buildings, located in the heart of the CBD, is the combination of three iconic heritage buildings, spectacularly redeveloped to offer visitors a host of experiences from health and wellness and retail to luxury accommodation, cafes, bars and fine-dining restaurants.
Retail highlights include Sue Lewis Chocolatier where you can sample hand-made chocolates and join master chocolatier, Sue Lewis, in intimate chocolate classes.
Eyewear boutique, Bailey Nelson, and barbershop, Ugly Men’s Association (located in the basement) both make the cut for the sheer beauty of their industrial and recycled brick interiors.
And at Petition Wine Bar & Merchant, select boutique wines by the bottle, or by the glass, to enjoy in the intimate enoteca and if you like what you taste, buy another bottle (or two) to take away with you. Visit the State Buildings website to find out more about their residents.
- 22 Aug '19