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Who says retail therapy is a bad thing?
If you know where to find cheap second-hand clothes, then thrift shopping in Sydney is the most ethical choice for sustainable style! Searching “thrift stores near me” will give you tons of results for vintage boutiques all across the city, but where do you start? We’ve narrowed down the options with our list of the best op shops in Sydney!
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Why Buy From Op Shops In Sydney?
While fast fashion is all about setting the latest trends, thrift stores in Sydney focus on selling for a good cause. Opportunity shops (called op shops for short) are backed by non-profit organisations that help children, charities, and communities in need. As a bonus, they offer recycled goods at big discounts to give old ‘junk’ a renewed chance at life!
Thrift shops double as consignment stores where you can donate or sell your pre-loved stuff in-store or online. They’re equally popular among nostalgic grown-ups and fashionable teens on a budget. While some shops are closed on Sundays, you can still enjoy thrifting with your family and friends for the rest of the week!
The 10 Best Thrift Stores In Sydney
From trash to treasure, these thrift shops offer second-hand vintage clothes that are just as stylish for half the cost. Buying brand new is no longer a top priority, especially when you can find these hidden gems scattered all across the city!
10. Red Hill Op Shop
Overview: Established in 1983, this tight-knit community shop has a friendly staff of full-time volunteers! Here, you’ll find toys, books, trinkets, accessories, sporting goods, records, and kitchen wares.
Location: 33 Mechanics Road, Red Hill
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Price Range: email [email protected] for enquiries
More Info: Facebook Page
9. Red Cross
Overview: If you’re a newbie thrifter, this is a good place to start! Red Cross has a shop called Red Threads with a modest selection of women’s clothing, gift items, homewares, and holiday decorations. They usually slash up to 50% off prices when they go on their seasonal sales.
Location: 390 Oxford Street, Paddington / Shop 2, 359 King St, Newtown / 231 Broadway, Broadway
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Price Range: $AUD4 – $AUD45
More Info: Website
8. Lifeline
Overview: With eight outlets all over North Sydney, Lifeline holds yearly book fairs, fashion shows, and other fun events in their stores. You’ll find lots of men and women’s clothing, homewares, memorabilia, and bric-a-brac!
Location: Shop 1, 390 Military Road, Cremorne
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Price Range: $AUD20 – $AUD30
More Info: Website
7. Anglicare
Overview: True to their name, shopping here will make you feel like an angel! Anytime you buy their retail items, the donations go to church communities, foster care, and homes for the aged.
Location: 71 Macquarie St, Parramatta / Shop 1, 20 Howard Ave, Dee Why
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 4:45pm
Price Range: Call 1300 111 278 for enquiries
More Info: Website
6. Save The Children
Overview: This organisation helps raise funds for children all over the world! Buying a few clothes, toys, and collectibles will make a huge impact on the lives of kids who are part of their global educational programs.
Location: 683 Pittwater Road / 111 Great North Road / 2F Ryedale Road
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 4:30pm
Price Range: $AUD3.99 – $AUD299
More Info: Website
5. The Wayside Op Shop
Overview: Founded in 1964, this shop shows its love for humanity by providing healthcare, welfare, and community centres for the poor. They’ve also got a great selection of apparel and accessories to choose from!
Location: 29 Hughes St, Potts Point
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Price Range: Call 61 2 9581 9100 for enquiries
More Info: Website
4. The Restore
Overview: This Western Sydney shop has a curated collection of high-quality vintage fashion at affordable prices! Most proceeds go to their food relief program that provides meals for over 300 families all over Sydney.
Location: 154 Best Rd, Seven Hills
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 4:30pm
Price Range: $AUD3 – $AUD12
More Info: Website
3. Swop Exchange
Overview: If you’re passionate about saving the environment, you’ll love this local trading post! Instead of throwing your clothes away, you can exchange them for other items, donate them, or sell them on consignment.
Location: 161 Boundary Street, West End / 112 Enmore Road, Newtown / 266 Smith St, Collingwood
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Price Range: $AUD35 – $AUD150
More Info: Website
2. Salvos
Overview: The Salvation Army has over 330 retail stores in Australia with programs dedicated to feeding and housing families through outreach programs. You’ll get huge discounts when they go on sale, and 100% of the profits go directly to local communities.
Location: 8-10 Hamilton Rd, Fairfield / 40-42 Warners Ave, North Bondi / 305-309 Parramatta Road, Leichhardt
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Price Range: $AUD2 – $AUD29.99
More Info: Website
1. Vinnies
Overview: The St Vincent de Paul Society has the biggest network of op shops in the country. With over 650 stores, you’ll find an extensive selection of branded clothing along with unique furniture and homewares! Every dollar is well spent, helping improve the well-being of children, refugees, migrants, and homeless people in Australia.
Location: 223 Glebe Point Road, Glebe / 253-259 Bronte Road, Waverley
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 6:00pm
Price Range: $AUD2 – $AUD80
More Info: Website
The Gift Of Thrift
Now you can start shopping smart while warming your heart! Thanks to the gift of thrift, you can op shop till you drop and make the world a better place while you’re at it.
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