Photos: Op-shop reopens in style after major $76k renovation

After receiving a renovation valued at almost $80,000, a second-hand store has reopened. Here’s a sneak peek of the new shop.

Manager and volunteer Shirley Cherry said their vision to open the ADRA Op-shop store up had finally come to fruition after an almost $80,000 renovation. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Undergoing a major transformation, a Toowoomba store has relaunched after a renovation valued at about $80,000.

And while the goods are preloved, the ADRA Op-Shop in the Bell Street Mall looks almost new.

Excited to be back and doing what they love are ADRA Op-shop volunteers (from left) Glynis Wilkinson, Shirley Cherry and Rhonda Strong. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Manager and volunteer Shirley Cherry said their vision to open the store up had finally come to fruition.

“Almost 22 years ago we opened this little shop, and I was here on the first day giving out treats to people in the mall,” Ms Cherry said.

“It used to be a small store on one side of the building but now we’ve knocked some walls down and opened it right up.”

ADRA Op-shop volunteers Jodie Farquharson (left) and Leonna Lobwein sort through clothes and recently donated goods. Picture: Nev Madsen.

In addition to creating a open-plan space for customers to peruse preloved bargains, the op-shop has also received new shelving, clothing racks, lighting and windows.

Funding the $76,000 renovation themselves, the volunteer-run store was able to make the much-needed changes.

“The girl who started the business had the foresight to buy the building, so over the years we’ve been able to put aside some funds from the rental payments of our three tenants,” Ms Cherry said.

“A lot of people have come to the store since it reopened asking if it’s still a second-hand store and it is – it just looks a lot better.”

Joy Farquharson (left) Hazel Clegg (centre) and Rose Edser at the ADRA clothing op-shop in Bell St Mall. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Passionate about helping others, the store manager said ADRA also supplied food, clothes and household items to people who were going through a tough time.

“We have a lot of people who come into the store and need help,” Ms Cherry said.

“During the last financial year we donated about $6500 of the funds made in this shop to welfare.”

ADRA Op-shop volunteer Jenny Whiting helps with sorting recently donated goods. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Volunteering at the store for more than two decades, Ms Cherry said it was a role she had always enjoyed.

“I’ve been working here part-time since the very beginning and I love it … I love helping others,” she said.

“We couldn’t do it without our team of volunteers and all their hard work.”

Mother and daughter Lisa (left) and Callie Booth attended the store relaunch event. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The launch event saw many in attendance including Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio and Finance and Business Strategy Committee chair Councillor Geoff McDonald.

ADRA Op-shop is at 29 Bell St in the Bell St Mall.

The store is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 3pm.

For more information, visit adra.org.au.