The best Op Shops in the Moreton Bay Region

BUYING clothes at Op Shops is a way to help the environment while protecting your bank balance. Want to know where to go in the Moreton Bay Region? Take a look at our list.

There are plenty of options at Renu Fashion at Margate. Photo: Dominika Lis

THE war on waste has spread to our wardrobes so it’s time to rethink fast-fashion purchasing and become a recycling pro.

Cheap modern clothing made of inferior fabric is designed to be replaced the next season, hence “fast fashion’’. These mountains of poorly made clothes are destined for landfill. Op shopping is a way to help the environment while protecting your bank balance and we’re spoiled for choice in the Moreton Bay Region. Here’s some ideas to get you started in your hunt for treasures.

1 Renu Fashion, Margate

A favourite among locals, Renu Fashion at Margate is the perfect place to start an op shopping trail, with no items over $2 and children’s clothing free. Renu is a privately-run opportunity shop. Owner Tracey Brown says while her shop is not a charity it is charitable. “I do it to help the community,’’ Tracey says. “There’s no profit coming from the shop. When anyone homeless comes in they are welcome to take a bag of 10 items.’’

Where: 277 Oxley Ave, Margate

Web: renufashion.com.au

2 RSPCA Op Shop, Strathpine

The RSPCA Op Shop at Strathpine offers everything from clothing and bric-a-brac to cool accessories and unique furniture.

Where: 8 Dixon St, Strathpine

Web: rspcaqld.org.au/rspca-op-shops/strathpine

3 The Mercy Shop, Bribie Island

The Mercy Shop is a must visit for bargain hunters on Bribie Island. Proceeds from the Mercy Shop support programs for at-risk youth, men’s breakfasts, school chaplaincy and disaster relief projects.

Where: 197 First Ave, Bongaree

Web: themercyshop.org.au

4 Dakabin Treasure Market

One of two Moreton Bay Regional Council markets, the Dakabin Treasure Market specialises in furniture, gardening accessories, books, CDs and vinyl records.

Where: Dakabin Waste Management Facility, 336 Old Gympie Rd, Dakabin

Web: moretonbay.qld.gov.au

5 Gympie Rd, Lawnton

Nestled between the local seafood shop and an auto-accessory retailer are three large op shops run by the Salvation Army, Vinnies and Neighbours Aid. Thrifty shoppers can find plenty of quirky items and reasonably-priced clothes, furniture and other accessories.

Where: 690 Gympie Rd Lawnton

Web: Salvos Store - salvosstores.salvos.org.au; Vinnies - vinnies.org.au/shops;

Neighbours Aid - neighboursaid.org/lawnton-store

6 Caboolture Treasure Market

Much like its Dakabin counterpart, the Caboolture Treasure Market is a popular destination for locals wanting to find low-cost gems. Popular items include bikes, furniture and clothes.

Where: 51 McNaught Rd, Caboolture

Web: moretonbay.qld.gov.au

7 Citipointe North Op Shop, Morayfield

Easily recognised by its bright red exterior, Citipointe North Op Shop packs plenty of pre-loved treasures into a small space.

Where: 166 Morayfield Rd, Morayfield

Web: facebook.com/citipointenorthopshop

8 Margate CBD

No serious op shopper can miss the region’s mecca of pre-loved shopping, Margate. There are seven shops lining the main road.

Where: Oxley Ave, Margate