Op to it: Your northern Illawarra op-shop guide
With a shift in what they represent and sell, going to op shops is a little mysterious these days - but isn't that always part of the appeal?
Op shops have changed. Gone are the days of dingy, musty-smelling stores, and in their place are brightly coloured, carefully curated wares, shops with designer sections and even loyalty programs. And giving new life to unwanted items is the ultimate answer to "fast fashion".
The changes are not without controversy, and social media pages are awash with comments that the humble op shop has now become too expensive, especially with the cost of living crisis.
We hit up some of the northern Illawarra's 'oppies' to see what bargains and treasures we could unearth.
Woonona Salvos
Honestly, could you get more Aussie than having a Salvos next to a Maccas? This store has an onsite carpark and ramp access and is always bustling with shoppers.
There’s the ‘O’ section – a carefully curated corner dedicated to vintage and designer brands. This is my fave new place to browse and I’ve picked up some unique pieces here, but expect to pay a premium.
Some of the treasures found at Woonona Salvos - the British Anchor fish plate and jacket came home with me. Photos: Amanda De George
There’s a great range of kids clothes, books, great work clothes for men and women and some surprising finds up in the backroom. I grabbed a British Anchor fish plate which I’ve been hunting for, a gorgeous, vintage Saji plate which was ticketed at $5 and discounted to $2.50 and retails for around $45 … and reluctantly said no to a $25 trumpet. My husband scored a couple of as new business shirts for $7 each.
To really grab a bargain, keep an eye out for the regular specials and join the rewards program to save off future purchases.
All in all, a super fun op shop.
Lifeline Corrimal
Wow, this store is huge! Lots of street parking and on the main road make it an easy one to pop into.
There’s a fantastic range of books, as you’d expect from the team who run the Lifeline Book Fair, and I couldn’t resist a $4 hardcover embroidery book to add to my embarrassingly large library of craft books. The husband nabbed an Iain Banks title for a buck.
I really loved the display of porcelain items and I nearly caved and bought a set of Poole Pottery John Gould plates but the $50 price tag and the inevitable “where will we put them?” kept my wallet shut.
I was surprised by their wide range of reasonably priced clothes, with everything from formal wear to fancy dress and even a display of items for Anzac Day.
Quite literally something for everyone.
We will definitely be back.
Vinnies Corrimal
There’s something so satisfying about the way that Vinnies colour codes their clothes (you’ll spot me by the pink racks). This op shop is fairly small, but with lots of great stock and parking out the front and a being few metres to Stockland, it is a breeze to get to.
While the men’s section takes up only a corner, it is all great quality and a real highlight. I walked in looking for jeans and my husband walked out with an as new corduroy jacket for $15 and Kenji shirt for $13. There’s some bric-a-brac, but much less than some other stores. Another great place for cheap books and regular specials.
Uniting Church Op Shop
Just up the road from Lifeline, this is a much smaller store and was being managed by two lovely ladies when we visited.
This felt much more like an old-school op shop, with no designer racks or big prices – just good quality items. I found that it was perhaps geared towards an older crowd, but the fun of op-shopping is that you never know what will be there on your next visit.
No purchases for us here but it was time to give my wallet and my feet a rest.
Have you got a favourite Illawarra op shop? What sort of prices would you be happy to pay?
