John Downs
Sitting pretty between the Gold Coast’s iconic beaches, with Surfers Paradise to the north and Coolangatta to the south, Burleigh Heads offers sun, surf and exceptional shopping.
Just a short stroll from the Esplanade, James St is a popular destination for those in need of a retail fix, with plenty of stores and great cafes to refuel.
1 | GOLOSI FOOD EMPORIUM
With a desire to showcase artisan Aussie producers and specialty Italian goods, friends Selena Quested and Gabriel Finardi opened the doors to Golosi five years ago. The emporium exudes a European feel with incredible aromas, beautiful displays and delicious gourmet delicacies, ranging from specialist cheeses, dips and locally made stonebaked pizza through to pasta, jams, chutneys and Italian olive oils. “Because we support small producers, our products change regularly with the seasons, but our takeaway sweets are always super popular,” says Selena. The tantalising selection of treats on offer often features raspberry tarts and pecan pie.
MUST-HAVES: Turn Turn Turn pepper mills, $129.95
Garofalo pasta from $4.95
OPEN: Mon-Sat, 7am-6pm; Sun, 7am-5pm
VISIT: 3/45 James Street; (07) 5520 0704
BOOKMARK: golosi.com.au
2 | CARMEL’S DESIGNS
Carmel Patchett has designed her own clothing range for the past 20 years. She’s known for her distinctive natural colour and fibre palette, which flows through to her curated lifestyle store. Run by her daughter Sarah, the store features a classic collection of curated homewares alongside Carmel’s range of casual women’s wear in neutral cottons, linens and silks. “The store has a relaxed coastal feel and I think customers really love the simplicity and beautiful tactile feel of everything we stock,” says Sarah.
MUST-HAVE: Palm Beach collection candles, from $17.95
OPEN: Mon–Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat, 9am-4pm; Sun, 9am-3pm
VISIT: 21 James St; (07) 5535 9255
BOOKMARK: carmelsdesigns.com.au
3 | MAISON & MAISON
This stop features an impressive collection of ever-changing items sourced from around the world, so no two days are ever the same in Maison & Maison. “Customers love the interest and the intrigue our variety of products inspire,” says owner Kate Malvenan. “Each item has its own story, whether it be handcrafted jewellery from Byron Bay, beautifully stitched leather ottomans from Morocco, cushions from Turkey or locally poured candles.” Kate’s plethora of exotic wares are sourced during her travels in Australia and around the world.
MUST-HAVES: Brass buffalo head on stand, $745; African tribal shield, $169
OPEN: Mon-Fri, 10am-5 pm; Sat, 9am-4pm; Sun, 9am-3pm
VISIT: 37 James St; (07) 5520 5757
BOOKMARK: maisonandmaison.com.au
4 | SALVAGE IMPORTS
Whether you’re coveting a taste of the Bahamas, a hint of rustic industrial or an island luxe look, Salvage Imports has your style covered. A treasure trove layered with texture and interest, you’ll find rattan and shell pendants cascading from the ceiling, walls adorned with intricate mirrors and shelves laden with unique homewares, while corners play host to timber furniture, wicker trunks and authentic plantation pieces. The philosophy here is centred around sourcing from small suppliers that are a little different, with a handmade feel pervading the space.
MUST-HAVES: Assorted bags of shells, from $39; large clam shell, from $395; Leaf mirror, $395; Cane trunks, $39-$395
OPEN: Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm; Sat-Sun, 9am-4pm
VISIT: 3/15 James St; (07) 5520 5403
BOOKMARK: salvageimports.com.au
5 | HOME SWEET HOME
Michelle Bushby’s store reflects her passion for homewares and DIY projects. Layered with jute rugs and occasional tables, tableware, pendants, clocks, glassware, wall art and ceramics, it’s the perfect place to find a gift, or even to indulge yourself with a new piece for your own home. Michelle also runs monthly workshops where people bring an item they want to transform, using chalk-effect paint from the Australian brand Mezzie + Frank. “I teach distressing, dry brushing and layering,” explains Michelle. “The beauty of the paint we use is it works on almost any surface and the colour range is amazing.”
MUST-HAVES: Mezzie + Frank Chalk Effects paint, $56.95/L
OPEN: Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, 10am-4pm
VISIT: 8 James Street; (07) 5535 5843
BOOKMARK: homesweethomegifts.com.au
6 | VILLAGE STORES
“Burleigh is the kind of place people will come to enjoy a coffee and croissant and end up going home with an entire dining setting,” says store owner Tracey Marquart. Yet one look inside Village Stores and it’s not surprising people find the eclectic mix of pieces, both big and small irresistible. Although just 80sqm the store’s compact footprint is layered with texture from jute rugs and linen cushions, to decorative table top pieces and timber furniture from Uniqwa and Boyd Blue. “We don’t have a single look in the store. It’s more a combination of elements which work beautifully together to express a unique style,” says Tracey.
MUST-HAVES: Teak Driftwood Sculpture, $2500; Recycled Elm Console, $929
OPEN: Mon – Sat: 9am – 5pm; Sun: 10am-4pm
VISIT: Shop 1/50 James Street, Burleigh Heads, (07) 5520 3222
BOOKMARK: villagestores.com.au, @villagestores
(left) Papaya lantern, $44.95, Carmel Designs | (centre) Cowrie necklace, $179, Maison & Maison | (right) Brenton ginger jars, Village Stores
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
With so much to see and do in the area, don’t exert absolutely all your energy shopping. The tree-lined foreshore is perfect for a picnic before enjoying a walk along the Ocean View track, which hugs the coastline and meanders through beautiful Burleigh Head National Park, down to Tallebudgera Creek. You might like to try a local tipple on a tour of Burleigh Brewing Co, or extend your stay and spend a day at a theme park. On the first and third Sunday of the month, The Village Markets also offer great lifestyle, food and fashion stalls.
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