Big op shop with a great range. A bit pricier than some of the suburban ones but some great finds…read morehere, particularly kitchenware.

Wonderful Store, Great customer Assistance, Very friendly…read moreand the store has great gift ware and lots of bargains

If you're needing a last-minute birthday card, novelty gifts or cheap random wares for around the…read morehouse, the chance are, Sang Bargain Shop in Marrickville will probably stock exactly what you're after. It's just like most other low-price mixed good stores, with a huge range of products from batteries to baskets, and pencils to plates. Of course, the prices are wallet-friendly too, so if you're after a quick replacement or disposable something, head here. There's a large kitchen section so pop in for things like ice cube trays and plastic containers. I've managed to tick off some completely left-of-centre items on my to-buy list here, so it's worth a gander.

Not designed to give Leichhardt Marketplace (formerly Leichhardt Marketown) on nearby Marion Street…read morea run for its money, although Norton Plaza is a cute shopping centre in itself with great establishments. It is convenient that there is a post office here, as well as a massive Coles supermarket. It is small and is designed as a great get in and get out type of establishment. Sorry, not the type of establishment to make a day out of it clothes shopping. Leichhardt Marketplace is slightly better suited for this purpose, although Broadway would be better for that. A great place to buy those necessities, as well as a great vitamin store and butchery. Also their cafe right near Coles is great for a long lunch and a quality coffee if you need an immediate pit stop, and perhaps you wish to give outside Norton Street and the Italian Forum a bit of a breather. Parking can be a bit of a nightmare here, depending on when you come so it can be a little like a lucky dip; although if you have to you can always park at the nearby Italian Forum. Simple is something that is best for those busy professionals who want to get in and get out as quickly as possible. Not the type of shopping centre for socialising and entertainment.

I've always considered Norton Plaza to be the main shopping centre of Leichhardt, it's location,…read moresituated on the largest run of shops, cafe's and restaurants gives it an air of supremacy above the nearby centre, Leichhardt Marketplace. Many consider it the other way round, and they would be amazed to hear that I felt this way. But I guess I've always just gone to this centre for my shopping needs. Sure it has less in the way of boutique shops and there's only one main supermarket/department store in it compared to Marketplace's three, but who wants to go to a massive shopping centre when all you need are a few things from Coles? Norton Plaza comes equipped with everything you could hope to need from a shopping centre; a chemist, seafood, a butcher, clothes shops, fruit shops, cafes, it even has it's a pub upstairs. It may not be as grandiose as some shopping centres, but sometimes the last thing you want is grandiose and with two hours free parking, a quick trip to Norton Plaza trumps a long shopping day anywhere else.