High end brands at Dural Salvos store

Looking for a dress designed by Versace or need a wedding gown that doesn’t cost a month’s salary? The Salvation Army Family Store in Dural can help.

Nice threads: Juanita McMillan at the Dural Salvation Army store. Picture: Tim Pascoe

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Looking for a dress designed by Versace or need a wedding gown that doesn’t cost a month’s salary? The Salvation Army Family Store in Dural can help.

The store is a haven for thrifty shoppers who are more than happy when residents clear their cupboards of unwanted haute couture clothes and art.

While some items are donated by accident, others are dropped off to the Old Northern Rd store for sale elsewhere.

Juanita McMillan checks out a donated dress. Picture: Tim Pascoe

Last April, store manager Juanita McMillan and her team came across two T.R Amies watercolours.

A fellow Salvos volunteer, who is also an antique dealer, knew they were valuable and took them to the National Museum of Australia in Canberra for assessment and where they have found a permanent home.

Wedding dresses and luxury brands can be snapped up for a fraction of the price. Picture: Tim Pascoe

“Some things are more valuable to the prosperity of the nation,” Ms McMillan said. “Some things are for the benefit of the whole community rather than someone who buys it.”

But those with high-end tastes need not worry.

“We have a lot of Ralph Lauren polos, we see a lot of Guess, DKNY, so lots of items,” Ms McMillan said.

Juanita says residents’ generosity has led to a treaure trove of items on sale at Salvos. Picture: Tim Pascoe

“I think it says how generous our community is and our store’s very popular store in our area.

“I think people understand that, when things are donated here, we give people the most value and access to these things without costing a fortune.”

Guess jeans can be snapped up for between $10 and $15 (some sell for more than $300 retail), while Alannah Hill and Charlie Brown dresses are a steal at $30.

The bargain bazaar. Picture: Tim Pascoe

Most wedding dresses are sold for hen’s nights but there are those that can be purchased for a bride’s big day for as little as $20.

“Even though it’s been worn, it’s only been worn once and I think it’s great more brides are leaning towards having a sustainable wedding,’’ Ms McMillan said. “It’s not only helping our community — it’s helping the environment. If we’re re-using these things, we’re saving.”