The prices at this establishment seem notably higher when juxtaposed with those at retail outlets in the vicinity. Additionally, the limited range of sizes available for products is a point of concern. Moreover, the promotional "offers" advertised by the store fail to genuinely reflect a significant discount. Often, the purportedly discounted rates appear to be inflated, presenting an illusion of a reduced price when, in reality, the item is sold at its standard rate. One glaring example of this pricing incongruity is observed in the case of Lindt chocolate. It is discernibly more affordable when purchased from external retail venues in comparison to the prices set within this store. This discrepancy raises doubts about the authenticity of the "discounted" prices being offered and diminishes the perceived value of the store's promotional claims. The lack of a clear advantage or cost-saving benefit for consumers brings into question the purpose and efficacy of the establishment's status as a Direct Factory Outlet (DFO). Consumers naturally expect such outlets to provide products at prices that are more competitive or advantageous than those available elsewhere. However, the current situation seems to deviate from this expectation, thereby leaving customers disillusioned. Conclusively, the issues of inflated pricing under the guise of discounts, limited size availability, and the relatively higher costs of products compared to other retail outlets undermine the perceived benefits of shopping at this establishment, specifically as a Direct Factory Outlet.

Dear DFO Essendon Team, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional effort put into organizing the Diwali Decor at your establishment. The vibrant and culturally rich decorations added a truly festive atmosphere, making the Diwali celebrations exceptionally memorable. I couldn't appreciate more the dedication and attention to detail that went into creating such a visually stunning and immersive experience. It not only showcased a deep respect for cultural diversity but also created a sense of inclusivity for everyone visiting. Your commitment to fostering a welcoming and celebratory environment truly shines through, and I am grateful for the positive impact it had on the community. The Diwali Decor not only reflected the essence of the festival but also highlighted the values of unity and shared joy. Once again, thank you for going above and beyond in making the Diwali celebrations at DFO Essendon so special. Your efforts are truly appreciated, and I look forward to future celebrations with the same enthusiasm and warmth. Best regards, Piyush Gogia

It’s the closest DFO to Melbourne airport - just ten km away. ((Melbourne is the queen of DFOs in Australia! Boasting four formal ones (south Wharf in city, Uni Hill (near RMIT Uni Bundura), Moorabbin Airport, Essendon), and informal ones like Spencer St (above Southern Cross Station, renamed from Spencer St station); Docklands ( next to Costco Docklands). Not to Mention the fashion capital of Australia - Chadstone Shopping Mall)). Whilst others are easily accessible by public transport, One needs to drive to this and Moorabbin as public transport is possible , but need to change and inconvenient. All the DFO’s are shoppers’ paradise with big brand names under one roof - at discount prices!! I remember seeing a group of excited ladies on the same train as me- from Sydney to Melbourne. They told me they can carry lots more on the train than plane as they are going to shop heaps from Melbourne- labelling Melbourne as the shopping city!! Wow!!!! Melbourne- not only it is the most liveable, it is also the most shoppable!!

No deals and no stock. Always the same corporate boring and overpriced shops which retail something for $300 and reduce it down to $250 BUT only a few small sizes left and only leftover ugly stuff that other people didn't buy. The food court/s are a disgrace, there are TWO and just two shops for each court. Food is of course overpriced because shops pay the high rate corporate fees BUT it's also disgusting! I bought some food from a Turkish like one, fried chips were cold, the pieces of beef were cold and disgusting, the price above other shops around the city. But also the attitude of the shop attendant, a very sad face guy who has no experience whatsoever in the kitchen nor he likes what he is doing! ATM, only ONE available and it pretended to steal me $2.50 fees just to withdraw MY money from within AUSTRALIA!!!

DFO, known for its array of stores offering discounts, presents itself as a viable shopping destination. However, it's worth noting that the discounts might not match the hype, often showcasing products that have lingered unsold throughout the year. While it remains a plausible choice, the lack of diverse offerings during this season is a drawback. The assortment, albeit not extensive, caters to various needs. Yet, to truly stand out, DFO needs to amplify its inventory, especially during this time of the year. More options would undoubtedly enhance its appeal, making it a go-to spot for a wider range of consumers. In essence, DFO serves as a satisfactory shopping venue, yet falls short in terms of offering a comprehensive and diverse collection for this season.

DFO Essendon is an absolute gem for savvy shoppers! The wide array of stores and brands, spanning from high-end fashion to sports gear and homeware, offers an unparalleled selection at prices that are refreshingly budget-friendly. Navigating through the mall is a breeze, thanks to its well-organized layout, and the friendly, helpful staff elevate the shopping experience. The impeccable cleanliness and ample parking only add to the convenience. My visit left me with bags brimming with fabulous finds and a genuine eagerness to return for more. If you're in search of quality products at unbeatable prices, DFO Essendon is the ultimate destination. It's a five-star shopping haven that I enthusiastically recommend to all bargain hunters!

Excellent factory outlet with multiple stores giving Discount prices. Open from 10am until 6pm everyday. Plenty of eating venues and specially shops. A great design layout of this venue is the lack of stairs and escalators the whole shopping centre is one level - just one big circuit - you can walk around and you’ll find your way out no problem. Wheelchair access and amenities including toilets and parents changing rooms are abundant. Plenty of free parking, and the 903 Mordialloc to Altona ‘smart bus’ rolls up at the front door. As soon as you walk in the front door there is an information desk providing maps and friendly advice. I purchased some ASICS running shoes at 40% off, replacing my well worn and trusted existing ASICS.

The security guard here is so racist. On black Friday, when stores close at 7, the food court was still open after 7 and there were a few Indians eating there and the shops were still taking orders for food. At around 7:20 a security guard in his late 50s or probably early 60s came and started yelling at us saying this place is closed and you shouldn't be here. Since the restaurants were serving the customers were eating. No one came and told us to vacate the place before, so he had no reason to be yelling at us. I don't know why no checks are conducted before hiring such kind of people. Please check your CCTV cameras and you'll get your evidence of this guy yelling at all of us. Such a bully! Shame on you guys for hiring him

This DFO is a nice-looking shopping centre and it's got a free parking which is really handy. But the stores are a huge rip-off especially in special occasions like black friday and boxing day. Make sure not to buy anything in these days. Normal days are OK. An example of rip-offs; they say 70 percent discounts on retail prices, but what it actually is, is the prices have been increased in a way that after so-called 70 percent discount it's still the original price they wanted to sell them for. You will be much better off to go buy from somewhere else even after paying a hefty amount for say Wilson parking. I do not recommended this place as first option for shopping.

Yeah, nice DFO here is huge with a the brands you want to see. Great food court with a wide variety. So much parking you can choose a spot that no one will be beside you when you return to go. Swarovski was on Sale, first time I've seen that as we frequent the Sydney outlet more. Bought some nice boots @ RM WILLIAMS. Several rings @ Swarovski, and a bag from COACH. All said and done a great day out. Easy access from the City freeway. I couldn't be more happy.

Stephanie manager of Tarocash suit shop was incredibly friendly and made my day. I was really stressed and anxious about what to choose for my daughter's wedding and she calmed me down with her smile and friendly attitude of "Don't worry I will take care of". She pointed me to the right suit for the occasion and every body liked my suit during the wedding. I would visit DFO Essendon and make my way to Tarocash whenever I have time. Thanks heaps Stephanie

Good access right next to the freeway and plenty of parking. Great range of shops but on a midweek day about 10-15% were closed which was disappointing. Likeost DFOs you really need to be aware of prices as many items are not discounted at all. You can get some extraordinarily good deals though and we were happy with the quality and prices of are purchases. Food court and toilets are available within the centre as well as a few cafes sprinkled around.

A great place to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon with the family. Plenty of shops to browse and food courts and cafes inside for a coffee. Plenty of parking and sometimes you get a real good bargain on some discounted items. It is a place you need to keep going to when you feel like it cause you never know when something cheap is going to catch your eye.

Great place for a bargain provided one knows the prices of the products they are interested in buying. There are a large number and variety of stores for personal shopping in addition to homeware and food (cafes). Does tend to get busy during certain times like father/mothers day, end of year sales etc. so parking may be a problem during these times.

DFO essendon used to be very popular to get special deals on different brands. went today after a long and found the discounts or deals available here are the same at other shopping malls as well there is no point of going here drive all the way. parking is huge and also hand car wash is available do the shopping while your car gets cleaned

Beautiful And huge Shopping Centr. I love shopping and spend some hours here. This place is little bit expensive as compared to WaterGardon. At this place we can get everything for home. This shopping centre have a huge car parking place. Wheel chair car parking and entrance in Shopping mall is also available. Young kids also enjoy here.

DFO Essendon is indeed a fantastic place for discounted new clothing, but for better dining options, it's best to eat before or after your shopping trip. If you're looking for a more upscale shopping experience with superior food choices, premier shopping centers like Chadstone or Highpoint would be excellent alternatives.

Lovely experience of shopping, thousands of varieties, fresh stock, directly from factories and huge discounts. You just think about what you need and things are there, may it be clothing, households, beds and bath or kitchen necessities. All so well displayed in a huge area. You get enough stalls for refreshments too.

Best shopping centre in Melbourne. Variety of clothing shops and footwear stores and food court are just amazing. Almost all household stuff including furniture and electrical appliances are available here. The location of this DFO is handy for the people who are travelling to or from the Airport. 100% recommended !

DFO Essendon excels as a shopping haven. Abundant parking makes visits effortless. Renowned brands cater to diverse tastes, while varied food options satisfy cravings. A kids' play areas ensures family-friendly outings. With a plethora of offerings, from fashion to entertainment, it's a one-stop destination for all.

Went in today to grab myself a pair of converse to wear for work and had Iclal serve me. She was so kind and helpful and helped me get a great deal! I'm glad there are amazing people like her out there still, especially on days like today when its hectic and people are flustered so, I'm very appreciative of that :)

EASY TO GET DFO IN ESSENDON FROM FREEWAY. ALWAYS CROWDED AT WEEKENDS. I FOUND IT HARD TO PARK MY CAR HERE. SAME DFO EVERYWHERE BUT ITS HUGE AND MORE OPTIONS. ALWAYS HAS DISCOUNTS FROM ALL THE SHOP HERE. SECOND TIME FOR ME TO CHECK OUT. WILL COME BACK. LOVE THIS BIG DFO ❤️❤️❤️

Please Remove Big Ali’s Kebab and grill shops from the food court. Disrespectful and bad customer service. Paid full price for the meal,but the food was not what was order. When check with the staff, replied back saying you have to eat it I can’t do anything. Not looking forward to see them in next visit.

Probably the best DFO in Melbourne. Has plenty of parking than the others, so no issues there. The RM Williams store was the highlight for me, has some pretty good seconds and discounted boots. The Adidas store however was disappointing. Plenty of useful maps to get you around the place which is handy.

Good place to spend time shopping, most brands under one roof. Extremely spread out, parking is always an issue especially during weekends. Deals don't seem to be very attractive, it's just display, most prices are expensive, except some selected outlets . But good place to spend half a day or so.

One of the two DFOs in Melbourne, huge car parking. Opens @10am. Can buy at reasonable prices from direct factory outlets like Asic, Adidas, Puma etc. Only Nike is missing from my favorite list. Bitcoin ATM is also available. Huge food court. Nice place for shopping at a huge discounted price.

Really nice indoor outlets. You can shop til you drop here. It is one of the largest outlets ive seen. Rivals some of the ones in Texas. Really good discounts on name brands. They have luxury brands and your typical brands here. There is also very nice Lebanese food in the food court.

Typical DFO. Lots of stores. Parking was a real pain. Traffic controllers seemed to go out of their way to make it as difficult as possible to leave. Took more than 40 minutes to leave the car park. I won't go again during sales.

Great DFO for shopping especially on a hot day. Quite good variety of stores to shop around, great deal - good value for money. Having locker too. Plenty of parking but always seems so busy all the time.

Very good DFO but Nike is not there. Very good offers on Adidas, Puma & Asics showrooms almost 50% on boxing day but regular sizes were sold so didn't get anything. Must visit if the discount is continue

This place has always been a favourite for the family when we go shopping in Melbourne. So many choices, it’s clean and easy to get around and you can stop off when your heading back to the airport!

Good place to shop with good choices and selections. Lots of resting places and food, great for families as there are enough rest stops, especially when the kids gets bored and needs a break.

DFO Essendon offers a broad Variety of Indoor and Outdoor Retail Shops. Great Location , with lots of parking space and Food Courts where Shoppers can catch a quick bite or sit for a Coffee.

15th December 2023, and not one Christmas decoration to be seen anywhere throughout the centre. Perhaps I no longer need to drive a bus of country shoppers to such a place.

Our go to shopping destination, with all shops and brands under one roof, plenty of eating options too, but sometimes becomes hard to find parking. Overall worth a visit!!

Loved the place. Huge range of shops for some great shopping. It has a couple little food courts to have a break in between shopping. Plenty of parking as well.

It's a typical DFO. Do your homework. Not all specials are "special". Parking might be an issue. There is also a large 'Home Centre' nearby.

A very handy mall which has got so many well reputed brands' outlets. One can get stuff of varying price ranges as per your affordability.

The mall is not too big or small. You have most of the stores and brands that you need and can sometimes get some good prices on products

Biggest DFO in town! Plenty of shops and parking. Best is to go in early, as it gets very busy very quickly. Offers always available

Nice place to shop and can get everything done in 1 go with slightly cheaper prices that some other stores / shopping centres

very good if you need clothes and shoes but the parking gets busy and some people cant drive or the toliets get packed !

my favourite is Coach. Always A+ friendly & professional service by their staff. Definitely recommend …

One way in, one way out and a long walk around. Plenty to see and spend your hard earned plastic money on.. $$$

Few stores here are worth visiting, but this DFO doesn't have a Nike store. Awesome place to shop on a weekend.

Great shops, easy access as only one level, lots of parking and only just over $20 for an uber from the airport

Awesome shopping experience , with a great variety of brands and outlets , we will definitely be returning.

Not a bad place to shop, although not much variety in stock in some stores. Pretty average shopping complex

Different brands with good sale in late December, a food court, and also free parking are available there

I went to this DFO to pick up a pair of shoes. This DFO is near the airport, just off the highway.

Many branches fair prices, out of season styles , big branch is sale of from 30 and up to 50'%

Good place for shopping, easy access from free way exit. A lot of discounts on good brands.

Great hotel with a funky rooftop bar that has awesome views. Highly recommended!

Great place to shop but expect carpark chaos. Not joking about the carpark

love coming here as greatly discounted prices with wide variety of shops!

Plenty of parking, next to freeway. Variety of stores and good prices.

great place...food at foot court was good..Loved the Correlle shop etc

Fun day shopping for suit at Peter Jackson...excellent service

Good place for shopping. You can find some good brands there.

Cute lil shopping centre. Would 10/10 come again