As the saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” and one of my not so secret guilty pleasures is spending the day fossicking for treasures from our local Op Shops. My daughter has the same affliction, so quite often a day out together can be planned around an Op Shop scouting expedition. It has never ceased to amaze me what a throwaway society we live in; clothes, in particular, are bought and discarded at an amazing rate. With the Eco and Green message now spreading though, it is actually becoming trendy to recycle and reuse.
Perth has a plethora of charity and recycling shops, so it’s possible to revamp your wardrobe or furnish your home without breaking the bank; and if you want the extra “feel good” pay off, not only are you giving to charities to help a good cause, think about the landfill that you are preventing by reusing items instead of them being dumped at the rubbish tip!
“So!” I hear you cry, “where are the best Op Shops in Perth?” ….Well I can’t list them all but here are a few of my favourites:
Sweet Charity. 164C Scarborough Beach Road, Scarborough. PH: 9245 7871
Set out more like an upmarket boutique than an op shop, Sweet Charity is full of pre-loved bargains, including quality fashion items, shoes, jewellery and bric-a-brac. There is also a kids area filled with clothes, books and toys. All proceeds support Perths Children’s Hospital.
pchf.org.au/ways-to-give/sweet-charity-wa/

Photo Credit: PCH Website
Fremantle Red Cross Shop. 37 Market Street, Fremantle. PH: 9336 7023
Fremantle Red Cross Shop is only small but is filled to the brim with interesting finds. If you love vintage and unusual then this store should be on your list.
Subiaco Good Sammy. 28 Rokeby Road, Subiaco. PH; 9381 6242
Probably one of the better known Op Shops around, this is a big store with a huge clothing section. As with all Good Sammys’ the clothing is priced according to its’ category rather than its’ label ie: all trousers are the same price etc. There is one exception though; The Gold Seal racks are designer and upmarket brands, but you are still sure to bag a bargain as these items are still sold at well below the original cost.
Vinnies Bassendean. 11 Old Perth Road, Bassendean. PH: 9279 4539
Another smaller shop, but filled with great pre-loved clothing. The store is again set out with more of a boutique feel, there are always quality items and quite often a well-priced designer bargain.
Salvos Store, Joondalup. 2/116 Winton Road, Joondalup. PH: 9300 3788
The Salvos store at Joondalup is huge, with a huge selection of clothing, books and household goods to match. The store is split into 2 sections; clothing and general household, including furniture. It’s a good place to pick up second hand books both for you and the grandkids. As with all Salvos stores, the shop has weekly half price specials, $2 deals and student and pensioner discounts.
If you enjoy hunting for bargains, or if you know someone setting up their first home, even kitting out the caravan; your local op shop is a great place to start, and you never know what treasures of your own you might find.
I feel I must write a disclaimer: Op shopping can become addictive- once you’ve scored a bargain, you just keep going back for more! I can not be held responsible for your op shop addiction; but I am thinking of setting up a self-help group for others like myself.
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