You’re convinced of the many benefits of op-shopping, but where do you start looking?
We’ve ventured all over Sydney to bring you the quirkiest op-shops of the north, east, south and west…
1. Tempe Salvos
If you think biggest equates to best, and have patience of steel, then Tempe Salvos is the op-shop for you. Hundreds of garments fill the factory space, and if you’re up for more shopping, Ikea is just down the street.
2. Summer Hill Anglicare
The beauty of this popular op-shop is that you can buy by the kilo. $6 a kilo to be exact. It’s dangerous territory for impulse shoppers, but you can find some treasures as long as you’re willing to surrender some dignity to dig deep.
3. Penshurst Uniting Church Op-Shop
Not sure if shop or local hang spot for the elderly population of Penshurst in Sydney’s south, regardless, the ladies must be delivering the goods as they drop by for a chat because the racks are always teaming with quality finds.
4. Rozelle Red Cross
This shop blends into the trendy local surrounds, and is so spick and span it doesn’t feel like you’re shopping second hand. The price tags are a bit of a reflection of this, but remember your dollars go towards the amazing work of Red Cross. Make a day of it and pop over to Rozelle Markets across the road on a Saturday.
5. Picton Vinnies
It’s been said that “west is best”, and that statement can definitely be applied to the op-shop world. If you’re willing to venture out, you’ll find that the western ‘burbs are teeming with op-shops that haven’t been raided by trendy, young hipsters. There’s some amazing bushwalks around the area too so head out for the whole day.
6. Neutral Bay Vinnies
For an incredible range of vintage designer goods, hit-up Neutral Bay Vinnies. I found myself questioning what people were thinking getting rid of such quality items, but I’m not complaining. One persons’s trash is definitely another’s treasure.
7. Riverwood Salvos
This is a huge but manageable op-shop, with plenty of authentic vintage finds.
8. Newtown Vinnies
This is a hugely popular shop, but for good reason. The eclectic folk of Newtown display great generosity in donating their quirky threads to this haven of funky fresh second-hand clothing and bric-a-brac.
9. Waverly Vinnies
It’s easy to miss this quaint Vinnies along Bronte Rd, but make sure to stop by on your commute to the beach to pick up some great finds.
10. Reverse Garbage, Marrickville
Whilst technically not an op-shop, Reverse Garbage is an amazing haven of re-usable goods, offering recycled DIY, costume and art materials. Reverse Garbage would be a killer source of inspiration for a new DIY distressed denim project, and it’ll hardly break the bank.
Happy op-shopping! Be sure to send us some pics of your best denim finds or link us to your fave oppy’s that we may not have discovered yet.
-Emma
Save your denim. Save lives. 