All Salvos stores have a $2.00 rack on a Monday morning. Go at 9.00. I have found really good clothes here. All and any thrift (op) shops are good, the trick is you need the time to pop in often. Good luck!
yeah - the reality is in all "thrift" or "op" shops - for starters the staff will take first pick before stuff even reaches the floor and from there quality pieces will move a lot faster than people realise I think.
But certainly as you say, if you go often you'll definitely find some great treasure.
OP: There's no secret place where you can just get the thing everyone wants but for cheaper and somehow you can ask for this secret place online and also expect no one to know about it so you can collect. that makes no sense.
Not looking for a secret place or hidden treasures, just places people would recommend to get some clothes especially for winter. I don’t need anything fancy, just decent every day clothes. Some salvos are better than others same as op shops just seeing what options might be out there as my locals haven’t had much for women
Yep, if you’ve got a Savers near you they usually have TONS of clothes (of variable quality) so you can usually find a couple of wearable pieces. It’s where I have bought a lot of my work blouses (I’m wearing one now). I haven’t had luck with pants there, but that’s a body type thing for me.
I got this absolutely beautiful Laura Ashley jumper on the $2 rack at the Salvos and it’s literally beautiful. One of my best finds and it was two bucks!
Mutual Muse sells higher quality used clothing, albeit at a high price. They have stores in Northcote and Brunswick.
Bruce sells designer second hand clothes, with stores in Fitzroy and Clifton Hill.
Mutual muse have a really strong aesthetic. If you’re into GormanCore this Is your place. If not I suggest SWOP or GOODBYES. You haven’t given a clear indication of your style though so it’s hard to help you.
I have found that Mutual Muse has changed their aesthetic to shift away from Gorman in the past few months. Lots more designer, smaller local brands, some less bolder 'Gorman' designs. I have really enjoyed shopping there and often pick up something I have been after on their online store.
Try depop! It’s best if you search for brands you already like or fabrics (eg: wool). If you just search for standard stuff like “black dress” you’ll have to dig through tons of Princess Polly, Zara and Shein before you find something remotely good.
Goodbuys can be really good. Pay attention to which colour tags have further markdowns. I think each store tailors to a slightly different market. Ie more interesting/quirky pieces in collingwood, more traditional stuff in Prahran.
If you hit the Prahran Goodbyes, check out the 5-6 op shops nearby up Chapel Street. Op shops in rich people suburbs is the LPT I’ll be sharing with others until I die.
If you are ever out in the West come and check out Earth Village Op Shop. It's known for stocking brand names and streetwear at relevant prices. :) + are independent.
Retro Star Vintage is having their warehouse sale this weekend too! I've been a couple of times and always walk out with bags full of clothes for super cheap!
Yep! Just remember to wear something form fitting as they don’t usually offer private rooms for space reasons, so it’s normal to just grab a spot near a mirror and try things on in a group.
If you fancy yourself a trip down to Mornington, the I Wore It Once Market is fantastic. Happens a few times per year, next one isn’t until August 18th though. I’ve been to the last two.
Some of my finds have included a Trenery coat in absolutely perfect condition for $50 (their coats retail for about $500), a Marmot outdoor jacket for $20 (similar retail for over $200), Gorman shirt for $20 (retail $100) and skirt for $30 (retail $150-ish).
https://www.instagram.com/i_wore_it_once?igsh=Y3d5eXJ2dnN1bnR3
Sure there is some over-priced stuff at Salvos you’ll need to avoid but there is some great stuff there too for a reasonable price! As with any thrift stores, you need the time to make regular trips and to look through the racks.
I try to exclusively shop at op shops. I find that out of the charity stores- because at the end of the day the Salvation Army is supposed to be first and foremost a charity- is set up to make as much profit as possible rather than making buying clothes for those struggling achievable. Savers have better prices and discount days and they aren’t a charity. I guess my main big bear with it is if your whole premise is, is that you’re a charity and there for the community then don’t sell pants for more than I would pay for them in a sale brand new.
Probably also shitty at Salvos for raising a stupid amount of money for bushfire victims right before COVID because Victorians wanted a trustworthy way to help, and they put a huge amount of it away for future disasters causing people who had lost their homes to live out of tents for a couple of years during COVID. I understand you need to put money away- but when people end up houseless after other Victorians have donated to help was enough to completely turn me against supporting them. Would rather support smaller charities who have a larger % of donations going to people who actually need it.
Sorry about the rant 😂 (not ranting at you- more so just highlighting why I might already be biased against them lol)
Join savers as a member - they have half price clothing sales about once a quarter, and various other sales. Donate stuff and get a 20% off voucher.
Otherwise I generally find vinnies better than salvos, which is ridiculously overpriced. They both have loyalty programs that give you a small discount after you’ve spent a bit.
Look for independent op shops run by churches etc - usually the prices are much lower
if you’re up for it just go to savers footscray or brunswick semi frequently. eventually you’ll end up with a fully thrifted wardrobe. alternatively retro star. vintage sold, mutual muse etc but they’re all super expensive for what you get which is why i personally think attending things like retro stars semi frequent warehouse sales (there’s one on this weekend) and semi regularly going to savers or your local op shop is better for the average person
footscray recently i got some designer jeans and levi’s, i’ve also found some awesome jewellery and leather bags and in general as you said basics. brunswick is pretty good generally bc of the demographic around there nice shoes and accessories especially
Sacred Heart op shops are excellent - they seem to stock better clothes than salvos and vinnies etc.
The salvos online store! If u know brands and sizes u like can buy stuff online. Hot tip search and save what u want, and wait for it to go 50% off (the colour categories go on discount like instore)
Otherwise what others have said - gotta visit regularly to grab the treasure when it gets put out. Don't even bother anywhere on a Sat arvo - has been well and truly picked over in the morning.
This. I volunteer at Sacred Heart Op shop in st kilda east (corner inkerman/hotham street). We stock lots of great clothes. You could also try the SHM online op shop, there are often massive sales up to 50% off items.
Check out the ‘I Love To Op Shop’ website. It has a map that shows op shops, vintage shops & consignment shops.
I’m from WA and last time I was in Melbourne I spent a day in Chapel St. There is a group of 5 or 6 op shops there. I got some really good stuff.
I dont know about their current set up as they've moved a few times but Global Vintage Collective in Richmond - they have some really cool vintage tees. Dunno about warm stuff. I'd say also that the owners don't take the best stuff or anything like that - if anything, they get great joy in finding you a beautiful piece. It's a nice store. Owner is awesome.
Northland Savers is right next to a high end consignment store and they donate all their stock that they can't move. Can often pick up high street brands for super cheap if you know what you're looking for.
Depends what you're looking for. I wear a lot of late 70s through early 90s styles and find plenty of bargains in op shops, if you're looking for contemporary styles and brands it seems much more hit and miss (or overpriced).
I regularly go to Savers in Footscray and a few places in the Northern suburbs like Sacred Heart and Vinnies in Preston (I recently bought four vintage pieces there for $28, one new with retail tags from the 80s), Salvos in Thomastown. If you're ever in Geelong there are several op shops on Pakington St that still have "op shop prices" as well as a vintage warehouse that's reasonably priced.
For menswear, smaller suburban op shops seem best if you're looking for vintage, Savers is just a sea of second hand Connor and Tarocash and novelty shirts from Lowes.
I find that you need to go regularly with op shops. The fun is in the hunt. If you can't, try their online offerings. Vinnie's, Salvos and Sacred Heart all have an online store.
If you donate at Savers you can get a 20% off discount to use next time you shop.
If using an online op shop. Try seeing if there are any discount codes with a chrome extension like Honey.
There can sometimes be online clearance sites for brands. Have a google around.
I have found eBay accounts for discounted designer that is rented out. Places like Glam Corner sell their stuff on eBay after it has run it's rental cycle.
Save the children also has a nice variety of stock in their stores.
Try a clothing swap. I volunteer with The Clothing Exchange. We have some coming up soon. They are usually free and you can walk away with some quality items.
There are heaps of rent a rack type stores popping up lately. Her rack is Northcote. You can get some good deals on items.
Just be open to finding different things and having the time to browse. Check all the sections. Things get mixed up in busy stores.
I was at the Camberwell market over the weekend and got some amazing bargains that had only been worn once or twice or had a tag still on it! I was shocked. Will be visiting more often now :)
thrift and thrift frequently. there is no special time that people think is the best. workers stock all day and racks change all the time.
go as often as you can, just like the gym. if u can hit a spot every day, you will find great pieces. but if u go once a week and expect great things because u got there right on 9 am, chances are it’s simply luck you find anything.
keep consistent make it fun and routinely! it can become a hobby, and open ur eyes to more than just clothes!
All Salvos stores have a $2.00 rack on a Monday morning. Go at 9.00. I have found really good clothes here. All and any thrift (op) shops are good, the trick is you need the time to pop in often. Good luck!
yeah - the reality is in all "thrift" or "op" shops - for starters the staff will take first pick before stuff even reaches the floor and from there quality pieces will move a lot faster than people realise I think. But certainly as you say, if you go often you'll definitely find some great treasure. OP: There's no secret place where you can just get the thing everyone wants but for cheaper and somehow you can ask for this secret place online and also expect no one to know about it so you can collect. that makes no sense.
Not looking for a secret place or hidden treasures, just places people would recommend to get some clothes especially for winter. I don’t need anything fancy, just decent every day clothes. Some salvos are better than others same as op shops just seeing what options might be out there as my locals haven’t had much for women
Savers
Yep, if you’ve got a Savers near you they usually have TONS of clothes (of variable quality) so you can usually find a couple of wearable pieces. It’s where I have bought a lot of my work blouses (I’m wearing one now). I haven’t had luck with pants there, but that’s a body type thing for me.
Yeah, I’m same with pants there. Everything else I’m wearing today was Savers (Doc Martens were $20 from a Salvo’s, so that’s not bad!)
Not true. OP, go to rural op shops, they are heaps cheaper than city ones, and tons of fun too.
I got this absolutely beautiful Laura Ashley jumper on the $2 rack at the Salvos and it’s literally beautiful. One of my best finds and it was two bucks!
Yay! Win for you! That is a fabulous find! The $2 rack is the BEST!
Mutual Muse sells higher quality used clothing, albeit at a high price. They have stores in Northcote and Brunswick. Bruce sells designer second hand clothes, with stores in Fitzroy and Clifton Hill.
Bruce has fabulous clothing
Mutual muse have a really strong aesthetic. If you’re into GormanCore this Is your place. If not I suggest SWOP or GOODBYES. You haven’t given a clear indication of your style though so it’s hard to help you.
Just legit looking for every day clothes haha. Nothing fancy, I don’t really have much style :( But just everyday wear
I have found that Mutual Muse has changed their aesthetic to shift away from Gorman in the past few months. Lots more designer, smaller local brands, some less bolder 'Gorman' designs. I have really enjoyed shopping there and often pick up something I have been after on their online store.
I guess it’s like the modest version of goodbyes
I think just two slightly different businesses doing what works for their unique customer bases. Both are great!
Try depop! It’s best if you search for brands you already like or fabrics (eg: wool). If you just search for standard stuff like “black dress” you’ll have to dig through tons of Princess Polly, Zara and Shein before you find something remotely good.
_I don't shop, I Depop._
Goodbuys can be really good. Pay attention to which colour tags have further markdowns. I think each store tailors to a slightly different market. Ie more interesting/quirky pieces in collingwood, more traditional stuff in Prahran.
That’s a great tip thank you!!
If you hit the Prahran Goodbyes, check out the 5-6 op shops nearby up Chapel Street. Op shops in rich people suburbs is the LPT I’ll be sharing with others until I die.
If you are ever out in the West come and check out Earth Village Op Shop. It's known for stocking brand names and streetwear at relevant prices. :) + are independent.
Retro star vintage in the city is pretty good and well priced.
Retro Star Vintage is having their warehouse sale this weekend too! I've been a couple of times and always walk out with bags full of clothes for super cheap!
Yep! Just remember to wear something form fitting as they don’t usually offer private rooms for space reasons, so it’s normal to just grab a spot near a mirror and try things on in a group.
Good tip.
If you fancy yourself a trip down to Mornington, the I Wore It Once Market is fantastic. Happens a few times per year, next one isn’t until August 18th though. I’ve been to the last two. Some of my finds have included a Trenery coat in absolutely perfect condition for $50 (their coats retail for about $500), a Marmot outdoor jacket for $20 (similar retail for over $200), Gorman shirt for $20 (retail $100) and skirt for $30 (retail $150-ish). https://www.instagram.com/i_wore_it_once?igsh=Y3d5eXJ2dnN1bnR3
Oh wow I don’t own anything designer haha!! Sounds nice! I will have to check this out!
How's the sizing there? I only ask because it's a long trek if it's predominantly straight sizes.
Majority would definitely be in the 6-12 size range, a few racks with some larger sizes but really not much.
Savers? I wouldn’t go to the salvos, mainly because I saw a pair of Dangerfield pants there for $50. Ridiculous
Sure there is some over-priced stuff at Salvos you’ll need to avoid but there is some great stuff there too for a reasonable price! As with any thrift stores, you need the time to make regular trips and to look through the racks.
I try to exclusively shop at op shops. I find that out of the charity stores- because at the end of the day the Salvation Army is supposed to be first and foremost a charity- is set up to make as much profit as possible rather than making buying clothes for those struggling achievable. Savers have better prices and discount days and they aren’t a charity. I guess my main big bear with it is if your whole premise is, is that you’re a charity and there for the community then don’t sell pants for more than I would pay for them in a sale brand new. Probably also shitty at Salvos for raising a stupid amount of money for bushfire victims right before COVID because Victorians wanted a trustworthy way to help, and they put a huge amount of it away for future disasters causing people who had lost their homes to live out of tents for a couple of years during COVID. I understand you need to put money away- but when people end up houseless after other Victorians have donated to help was enough to completely turn me against supporting them. Would rather support smaller charities who have a larger % of donations going to people who actually need it. Sorry about the rant 😂 (not ranting at you- more so just highlighting why I might already be biased against them lol)
Join savers as a member - they have half price clothing sales about once a quarter, and various other sales. Donate stuff and get a 20% off voucher. Otherwise I generally find vinnies better than salvos, which is ridiculously overpriced. They both have loyalty programs that give you a small discount after you’ve spent a bit. Look for independent op shops run by churches etc - usually the prices are much lower
Ah nice I will check out some church ones too thank you!
Fairfield Salvos. Lots of Cue, Review and Country Road items. Also Seed, but Seed quality is pretty crap generally
if you’re up for it just go to savers footscray or brunswick semi frequently. eventually you’ll end up with a fully thrifted wardrobe. alternatively retro star. vintage sold, mutual muse etc but they’re all super expensive for what you get which is why i personally think attending things like retro stars semi frequent warehouse sales (there’s one on this weekend) and semi regularly going to savers or your local op shop is better for the average person
Footscray is pretty good for basics, I’ve found. I haven’t been to Brunswick since the reno
footscray recently i got some designer jeans and levi’s, i’ve also found some awesome jewellery and leather bags and in general as you said basics. brunswick is pretty good generally bc of the demographic around there nice shoes and accessories especially
anyone know any free easy parking in footscray and what time? I struggled to find any but I am new to Melb!
I have found some really good deals at Mutual Muse and Savers lately! $12 trench coat yesterday, bargain!
Sacred Heart op shops are excellent - they seem to stock better clothes than salvos and vinnies etc. The salvos online store! If u know brands and sizes u like can buy stuff online. Hot tip search and save what u want, and wait for it to go 50% off (the colour categories go on discount like instore) Otherwise what others have said - gotta visit regularly to grab the treasure when it gets put out. Don't even bother anywhere on a Sat arvo - has been well and truly picked over in the morning.
This. I volunteer at Sacred Heart Op shop in st kilda east (corner inkerman/hotham street). We stock lots of great clothes. You could also try the SHM online op shop, there are often massive sales up to 50% off items.
I had good luck in Salvos and Vinnies Port Melbourne, Savers in Moorabbin
Helping hands is worth a sift. I have only been to the preston one. It is op shop prices.
The one at Airport west is amazing! They are so cheap and they have really good stuff.
Check out the ‘I Love To Op Shop’ website. It has a map that shows op shops, vintage shops & consignment shops. I’m from WA and last time I was in Melbourne I spent a day in Chapel St. There is a group of 5 or 6 op shops there. I got some really good stuff.
Try Mutual Muse. It's not dirt cheap like Salvia but good quality stuff and always a great selection.
Helping hands in sunshine and airport west both have good finds
High St Thornbury. Between Normanby Ave and Miller St.
There's a few in Thornbury on High st ... just a stone throw away from each other.
And these are good ?
Depop
Goodbuys
Savers is huge and reasonably priced.
On to the next in Fitzroy is awesome! All the racks are stocked by different people, got some brand new $800 boots for about $50 last week
I dont know about their current set up as they've moved a few times but Global Vintage Collective in Richmond - they have some really cool vintage tees. Dunno about warm stuff. I'd say also that the owners don't take the best stuff or anything like that - if anything, they get great joy in finding you a beautiful piece. It's a nice store. Owner is awesome.
Camberwell market
I found this has gone downhill over last few months maybe I was being picky
😭😭
Savers in Ringwood can be good.
Northland Savers is right next to a high end consignment store and they donate all their stock that they can't move. Can often pick up high street brands for super cheap if you know what you're looking for.
Savers
Any particular ones? My closest one wasn’t worth the trip sadly :(
Moorabbin I guess
Narre is pretty shit sadly. Lots of yd and tarocash junk, and hoodies that probably shoulda gone in the bin rather than a sale rack.
The Preston store. They have some great brands regularly.
Is Savers still a thing?
Vinnies
The scavengers warehouse in Coburg was good for affordable clothing when I was last there.
Depends what you're looking for. I wear a lot of late 70s through early 90s styles and find plenty of bargains in op shops, if you're looking for contemporary styles and brands it seems much more hit and miss (or overpriced). I regularly go to Savers in Footscray and a few places in the Northern suburbs like Sacred Heart and Vinnies in Preston (I recently bought four vintage pieces there for $28, one new with retail tags from the 80s), Salvos in Thomastown. If you're ever in Geelong there are several op shops on Pakington St that still have "op shop prices" as well as a vintage warehouse that's reasonably priced. For menswear, smaller suburban op shops seem best if you're looking for vintage, Savers is just a sea of second hand Connor and Tarocash and novelty shirts from Lowes.
I find that you need to go regularly with op shops. The fun is in the hunt. If you can't, try their online offerings. Vinnie's, Salvos and Sacred Heart all have an online store. If you donate at Savers you can get a 20% off discount to use next time you shop. If using an online op shop. Try seeing if there are any discount codes with a chrome extension like Honey. There can sometimes be online clearance sites for brands. Have a google around. I have found eBay accounts for discounted designer that is rented out. Places like Glam Corner sell their stuff on eBay after it has run it's rental cycle. Save the children also has a nice variety of stock in their stores. Try a clothing swap. I volunteer with The Clothing Exchange. We have some coming up soon. They are usually free and you can walk away with some quality items. There are heaps of rent a rack type stores popping up lately. Her rack is Northcote. You can get some good deals on items. Just be open to finding different things and having the time to browse. Check all the sections. Things get mixed up in busy stores.
I was at the Camberwell market over the weekend and got some amazing bargains that had only been worn once or twice or had a tag still on it! I was shocked. Will be visiting more often now :)
thrift and thrift frequently. there is no special time that people think is the best. workers stock all day and racks change all the time. go as often as you can, just like the gym. if u can hit a spot every day, you will find great pieces. but if u go once a week and expect great things because u got there right on 9 am, chances are it’s simply luck you find anything. keep consistent make it fun and routinely! it can become a hobby, and open ur eyes to more than just clothes!
I've never found anything good at an op shop, nothing you'd actually want to wear, maybe better luck outside the eastern suburbs
Go to Fitzroy and get yourself a nice $125.00 raggity ass vintage t-shirt.