Where to find best op shop bargains in Adelaide’s east and inner south for National Op Shop Week
WITH National Op Shop Week starting on Sunday, the Messenger has scouted out some of the best shops and best bargains across Adelaide — including designer brands for a fraction of the retail price.
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KYLIE Minogue is doing it and even Julia Roberts has given it a crack. Op shopping has become the new black.
In the lead up to next week’s National Op Shop Week, the Eastern Courier Messenger visited some of our local stores to meet the people who run them and discover a few of their hidden treasures.
About 600m away from The Parade’s main fashion precinct is an old bank building that is home to some of Adelaide’s best bargains.
Welcome to Vinnies Norwood.
Far from the granny caves of op shops of the past, today’s second-hand stores are more hipster havens.
Vinnies Norwood manager Kelli Whiley says op shopping has enjoyed a rise in popularity in recent years, and that is only going to continue – and grow – as people realise the treasures they contain.
“That stigma is gone and the younger generation … just love it,” Ms Whiley, 42, says.
“It’s not because they have no money anymore, people want to wear something different and quality at the same time.”
Vinnies on The Parade is among hundreds of op shops across Australia celebrating National Op Shop Week from August 27–September 2.
The week is an initiative of the charity Do Something that works to promote social and environmental change.
During our visit last week, there are preloved Samsonite suitcases, antique furniture, shoes, books, jewellery and the all-important little black dress – it is a Finders Keepers and a cheeky springtime steal at $18.
Other big-brand names that come into the store include Cue, Witchery, Armani, French Connection, Hugo Boss, Prada and George Gross and Harry Who.
There is even the odd pair of Valentino shoes – although they do not last long, Ms Whiley says.
All money raised at the shop goes towards St Vincent de Paul Society which provides resources and support for people in need.
“By op shopping you are helping people out …. that $50 you spend can go a long way (for the disadvantaged),” Ms Whiley says.
Speaking of shoes, up in the hills there is a pair of Alexander McQueen stilettos just waiting for a new owner.
Yes, really.
The high-end shoes can retail for as much as $1500 brand new and while this pair was yet to be priced last week, you can guarantee they will be a bargain.
It is one of many big-brand labels at RSPCA Second Chance Thrift Shop in Blackwood where money raised goes towards animal welfare initiatives.
During National Op Shop Week, the organisation will open a second store on Portrush Rd, Marden.
The Blackwood shop is one of the organisation’s smaller stores, but offers the best quality, according to RSPCA Op Shop project officer Lou Pike Pyman.
“There are lots of really quirky, interesting things here,” Ms Pike Pyman, 42, says.
“We’ve got beautiful quality clothing from places like Gorman, SABA and great bargains … sometimes we wonder how we have ended up with them.
“A lot of people in the community are really interested in animal welfare and are really happy to donate their recycled goods to support animals in need.”
Ms Pike Pyman says the store has a consistent and loyal clientele who want to prevent clothing going to landfill.
Buying a bargain is just a bonus.
“People feel really good about contributing to something that is sustainable for the planet,” she says.
“It’s a community service by providing affordable things, but still trying to raise money for animals who need it at the same time.”
At Hawthorn’s Salvos Stores, it is not just the fashion crazy who have taken a shining to the shop.
The odd local designer – like jewellery maker Miss Margie – donates their end-of-season stock as their bit for charity.
“That’s a big drawcard for this area because a lot of people want to be stylish, but with a lower price tag,” assistant store manager Linda Wharton says.
“But we get some vintage shoes, bags, jackets and sometimes really beautiful Royal Doulton stuff.
“Also the high-end designer (products) come in as well.”
She says there has been a “massive” increase in the amount of people coming to op shops over the past four years.
About 100 people come through the door each day – often more on weekends – all looking for clothing, jewellery, kitchenware, paintings and homewares.
“It is busier than it has ever been,” Ms Wharton says.
“There are more people who are conscious of going second-hand to reduce landfill, re-purpose things …. or sometimes disposable income is just not there.”
All proceeds from sales at the store go towards Salvos programs for people in hardship.
The shop also gives people who are unemployed a chance to work in the hope of gaining full-time employment elsewhere.
Back down Norwood way, we call into Goodies Op Shop – inside Clayton Wesley Uniting Church on Portrush Rd.
It boasts a range of clothing, vintage garments, books, bric-a-brac, linen, records and jewellery.
At least 60 people a day – from all walks of life – come in to the shop.
Volunteer Marie Lamb agrees with her fellow op-shop workers that the image of the stores has changed for the better.
“People that come in are anyone one from the disadvantaged to the people who drive in with Mercs and Audis and all of that,” Ms Lamb says.
“People just want quirky things in op shops … so we get a real mix of people.
“It is a trendy thing now.”
There is a sorting shed at the back of the church where an all-male band of volunteers go through donations to determine what should go on the shop floor.
Goods are then marked and put on the racks, with prices starting at about $2.
Paintings, crystal and other homewares are popular at the shop. Today, there is a funky fondue set for sale.
Products that are not sold are donated to charities including Goodwill and Anglicare to give to the disadvantaged.
At the nearby Quaker Shop on Kensington Rd, all money raised goes to Quaker Service Australia, which gives people around the world access to basics like clean water, and the Australian Refugee Association.
Do not be deceived by the 1980s, puffy-sleeved wedding dress in the window, there are many quirky bits and pieces of offer – even old trophies.
Volunteer Paul O’Sullivan, 55, says op shopping has never been more popular; the shop was extended last year to meet demand.
“The amount of regulars coming in is incredible … you get single guys in here, females and little fashionistas and things like that,” Mr O’Sullivan says.
“Sometimes you have people here buying things and your hear what they are going to do with it, like cutting it up and changing it.
Books, blankets and bric-a-brac are also popular at the shop.
“A lady had a dinner set for years and one of the plates had been broken, but she found one here of the exact one,” he says.
The one thing all these shops have in common is their cause – to make a difference in the lives of people who most need it.
And, as items go out the door next week, it is a reminder op shops need just as many, if not more, items coming in.
Time for a little spring cleaning?