In Australia, there are magical places where you can buy a full bag of things for $10 and you get a similar joy to that of panning for gold—Op shops!
What is an ‘Op Shop’ in Australia?
The term ‘op shop’, derived from ‘opportunity shop’, is a distinctive feature of Australia and New Zealand’s retail culture. This term emerged in the 1920s through the innovative efforts of Lady Millie Tallis, a former Melbourne showgirl who aimed to elevate the perception of thrift stores. Her strategic rebranding helped destigmatize second-hand shopping, encouraging more people to embrace donating and purchasing pre-loved items.
These charitable stores provide an affordable shopping alternative, offering a diverse range of goods including clothing, books, and furniture. In recent years, with the cost of living crisis, op shop customers have significantly increased. According to the St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies), there was a 52% increase in funds raised at their New South Wales op shops between the 2022 and 2023 financial years, indicating a significant rise in customer engagement.
As a self-proclaimed expert in thrifting, normal second-hand stores are not always my first option. Although these stores usually have a lot of on-trend clothing from all over the world, which is not a bad thing, if you are not a trend follower, it’s definitely a limitation! The Y2K trend and Bella cargo trend in the last few years, the viral style spread to a lot of second-hand stores overnight.
Despite my distaste for the trend cycle entering op shops, I have found a lot of success in the stores of Port Melbourne. So, if you tried Brunswick’s op shops, check out Port Melbourne, specifically the op shops on my list:
Vinnies Port Melbourne
Address: 276-278 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Hours: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm every day
Vinnies Port Melbourne is a two-storey op shop, meaning there’s so much to look through. You can donate your good quality clothes or toys in-store, but donation lists outlining what is accepted can differ slightly between Vinnies stores. So if you have a donation plan, you’d better check the store first. The ground floor offers furniture, decor, shoes, and clothing with two fitting rooms available. As the store is spacious, you’ll need at least 20 minutes to browse everything. The clothing section spans all seasons, from summer to winter, and the decor items are beautifully curated. Upstairs, you’ll find an extensive collection of books, CDs, and a dedicated children’s book section.
Salvos Port Melbourne
Address: 243-247 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; Sunday closed
This is the largest Salvos I’ve seen, with a well-organised layout and three large donation bins. It’s the perfect spot to donate your pre-loved items while hunting for new treasures, contributing to a sustainable shopping cycle.
It also has a great selection of CDs, vinyl records, and books. If you’re into these things, you can’t miss the Port Melbourne Salvos!
Port Melbourne Uniting Op Shop
Address: 302 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Hours: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm every day
The Uniting Op Shop in Port Melbourne just opened a few months ago! They also accept donations in-store. In addition to the unique clothes and shoes, Uniting Op Shop also offers meaningful clay decorations, which are made by Uniting Social Enterprise. For over 30 years, Fire & Clay has empowered individuals with intellectual, neurological, and physical disabilities, offering them opportunities for independence and connection through creative work.
The clay products, made from durable Japanese-style raku or earthenware clay and fired three times, include unique garden decorations, bowls, and meditation pieces, all of which can be customised in colour or anything you design to suit your needs.
Red Cross Shop Port Melbourne
Address: 231 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm; Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
The Australian Red Cross Shop is not as large as the other op shops I’ve mentioned, but I think it’s still a gem for finding affordable books and CDs. They have great discounts on these items, especially when you buy in bulk. Their clothing selection is diverse and they have a ‘designer’ category, so you can easily find the big brands! Some of them are as cheap as half-price—perfect for thrifty fashion lovers!
Epilepsy Foundation Op Shop Port Melbourne
Address: 322 Bay St, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Epilepsy Foundation op shop is my favourite. It not only has an in-store donation option, but also offers a free pick-up donations service! This op shop is quite small but cozy; their interior design is charming, with items thoughtfully curated and displayed, more like a lovely room instead of a store! All the clothes are organised by colour and category, making it easy to find your style.
Op shops are an essential part of Australian culture, offering a sustainable and affordable alternative to mainstream shopping. If you’re tired of fast fashion, op shops provide a chance to find unique treasures like vintage vinyl records, books, and furniture at lower prices. Each op shop has its own charm and specialties. Whether you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, decorate your home, or simply enjoy a sustainable shopping experience, Port Melbourne’s op shops have something for everyone.
