9 of the best Gold Coast op shops
THERE’S nothing like an op shop to stretch your dollar further — and it’s great for the planet. Here’s nine of the best spots to rummage and unearth some bargains on the Gold Coast.
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THERE’S nothing like an op shop to stretch your dollar further — and it’s great for the planet. Denise Raward has had a rummage and unearthed some favourites on the Gold Coast.
Lifeline Superstore Molendinar
28 Industrial Avenue, Molendinar
As the name implies, it’s big — in fact Lifeline’s biggest Gold Coast store, a warehouse treasure trove of second-hand — and some new — goods.
The Molendinar store carries quality furniture including white goods and electrical items.
Area co-ordinator Trudi Maxwell says you can set up an entire house or flat and buy well-priced new mattresses there as well.
“We get some lovely old pianos and pianolas, artworks, collectable vases and all sorts of bric a brac,” she says.
Of course, there are also aisles and aisles of clothing, shoes, accessories, books, DVDs, music, curios and undoubtedly things you’ve never even dreamt of.
Endeavour Recycled Clothing Store, Ashmore
3/16 Central Park Avenue, Ashmore
This is a fashionistas’ gold mine specialising in high quality pre-loved women’s clothing and well-priced new garments purchased from a top American fashion clearing house.
Endeavour spokesman Ash Moore says the quality and presentation of the store is so slick that many first-time customers don’t even realise they’re in an op shop until they see the prices.
Canny regulars join the VIP Club for alerts on new products, sales and promotions.
“We also have weekly and monthly specials on our already affordable prices,” Ash says.
It’s worth keeping an eye on the store’s Instagram account for one-off exotic frocks, vintage pieces and luxe labels. New treasures arrive daily and all proceeds go to creating opportunities for people with disabilities.
Living Rivers Op Shop
2/29 Dreamworld Parkway, Coomera
This popular Coomera op shop has been running for a decade under the umbrella of the Uniting Church.
It receives, prices and displays new stock every day and prides itself on its high turnover. Team leader Simone Jacobs says it’s a busy shop with friendly staff and is well supported in the area.
“We’re always getting new things in so there’s always something to find,” she says.
The store has a furniture shed and there’s a wide range of clothes, shoes, accessories, books and household items.
St Vincent De Paul
Burleigh Homespace, 11/1 Santa Maria Court, Burleigh Waters
With its generous floor space and meticulously displayed stock, the Burleigh Waters store has become the Gold Coast’s flagship Vinnie’s.
St Vincent De Paul south coast exec Kris Martin says the organisation is in the process of emulating the model for all its stores.
“It’s so spacious with high ceilings and room for everything that it really is a pleasure to shop there,” he says.
The store carries a bit of everything: furniture, a wide selection of clothes, fancy dress, accessories, jewellery, shoes, household goods, a large selection of books and music and unique one-off items.
“It’s quite amazing what comes through and it’s turning over all the time so it’s always worth popping in,” he says.
“The staff do a great job of making it easy to find what you’re looking for.” And what you never knew you were looking for!
Salvation Army Southport
15 Nind Street, Southport
Salvos Southport manager Michelle Jackson says you can dress yourself for any occasion and furnish an entire house with what you find in store, all at a fraction of the usual cost.
“We even have Manchester and you can pick up well priced new mattresses as well,” she says.
The Southport store sorts women’s, men’s and children’s clothing by size for ease of browsing.
The range regularly includes designer brands as well as shoes, bags, hats, sunglasses, furniture, homewares, even original artworks.
“Someone donated a wheelchair the other day,” she says.
“You just never know what you’ll come across.”
The Nind Street store also offers free parking to customers.
Salvation Army, Biggera Waters
Treasure Cove Plaza, 3 Oxley Drive, Biggera Waters
Around 60 per cent of the Biggera Waters Salvos is dedicated to clothes.
Among Salvos stores, the Biggera Waters area is known for its good quality donations so it’s always worth calling in. There’s a wide range of men’s and women’s clothes, shoes and accessories as well as second-hand furniture, books and bric a brac.
“We don’t say no to any of it,” Salvos area manager David Thompson says.
“There’ll always be someone who wants it. You know the old saying: one man’s trash …”
The store also has a half-price sale every month to move things along and make room for new donations.
Animal Welfare League
3/21 Hansford Road, Coombabah
Every cent spent at an AWL store goes to supporting its animal welfare work on the Coast, including its Coombabah rehoming centre.
The Hansford Road store isn’t too far away and locals know they’re doing their bit for a good cause.
AWL retail manager Michelle Muir says the store carries the usual clothes, shoes, accessories, books and bric a bric.
“It’s worth having a look in the rummage bins too,” she advises.
“You never know what you might find in there.”
If it’s furniture you’re after, she suggests trying the AWL stores at Labrador, Southport, Currumbin or Miami which carry a larger range.
AWL has a no refusal policy on resellable donations and any pet food, old blankets, towels and pet supplies for the animals are gratefully received at any store.
Lifeline Southport
14/12 Railway Street, Southport
This is the place to go if you’re looking for fancy dress, bridal, bridesmaid or formal wear, including men’s suits.
Southport Lifeline is a much-loved community store that’s found its niche in fancier wardrobe items.
Lifeline retail co-ordinator Trudi Maxwell says sometimes the dresses come in with the tags still on them.
“They all have a story,” she says.
“There are some lovely things that come through. It’s always worth a look.”
And, being situated not too far from the courthouse, it’s not unknown for a defendant to duck in to buy a suit and tie before a scheduled appearance. The friendly staff are there to attend to any needs.
RSPCA Miami
2172 Gold Coast Highway, Miami
As well as a bargain, you can also pick up a new feline friend at RSPCA’s spacious Miami store.
The shop also serves as an adoption centre for cats selected from the RSPCA’s Campus at Wacol in Brisbane.
Every year, around 100 animals find their forever homes through the Miami store which also carries a large range of new, competitively-priced pet supplies.
RSPCA’s manager of Queensland op shops Rachel Hrycek says the adoption cats are chosen for their relaxed, sociable natures.
“People coming into the shop usually love having a chat with the cats and they love the attention too,” she says.
The op shop carries good quality second hand clothes, accessories, books, some furniture and regular — and irregular — assorted treasures.
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