The Pen Shoppe
Found inside the heritage-listed Brisbane Arcade, The Pen Shoppe is a quaint stationery store that will have you longing to write the old-school way again – and will supply you with all of the tools to do so in style. Whether you’re writing instrument of choice is of the Waterman, Parker or Mont Blanc variety, you’ll find the the pen to your paper at this super-cute boutique. The Pen Shoppe also stocks items such as desk accessories, cartridges, pen pouches, pen refills, and much more, so you will have all of the necessary elements to perfect your penmanship.
Rocking Horse Records
As Queensland’s oldest and largest independently owned and operated record store, Rocking Horse Records has endured the strains of the digital world to bring us our vinyl fix time and time again. This passionate supplier of damn fine tunes boasts an extensive record collection that spans all music genres, from punk and hip-hop to classic and rock – you’ll most likely even be able to find that niche folktronica album you’ve been searching far and wide for. Music lovers can also pick up old tour posters from festivals of yesteryear or a band shirt of their liking.
Contra
When it comes to selling a lifestyle, nobody does it quite like Contra. The fashion-forward concept can be found inside an eye-catching space housed within the heritage-listed building at 139 Charlotte Street. The clean, concise styling of the store lends itself perfectly to Contra’s offering, which has evolved over time to include more experimental labels as well as its core collection of cutting-edge daily wear from brands such as Gramicci, and wander, Études, Happy Society, YMC and Our Legacy.
Double Double
When Brisbane’s two top-tier boutique-style outlets Violent Green and Apartment joined forces, it created an undeniable fashion powerhouse. The store – called Double Double – houses a premium selection of Australian and offshore labels including Harvesty, Moscot, Perks and Mini (P.A.M.), Suicoke and Underground Sundae. You can find this streetwear and fashion paradise on Level 1 at 115 Queen Street. Just be warned, you won’t be leaving empty handed.
Parliament
True lovers of skate culture will feel right at home at Parliament, Brisbane City’s home of all things boarding. A touchstone for the Brisbane skate community, the space provides both a hangout spot for skaters as well as a retail space for those looking to cop some of the best gear in the business. As well as decks and accessories, you will find a rad selection of iconic clothing brands such as Baker, Dickies, 99 Degrees, Doomsayers, Happy Hour and many more.
