In a fast-moving world, there’s a certain comfort in perusing pre-loved trinkets. They’re nostalgic, they’re better for the environment and they’re cheaper.
We’ve compiled a list of the best op shops around West Vic for your next op shop treasure-hunt.
Did we miss the best one? Shout out at [email protected]
Crystal Lee Foundation Op Shop
Image: Crystal Lee Foundation
This op shop was opened in Koroit to raise funds and awareness for the Crystal Lee Foundation, a charity that offers much-needed support to families with children going through cancer treatment.
There’s a bit of everything; secondhand clothes, shoes, homewares, books, linen, toys, jewellery, and more. It was founded by the parents of its namesake, Crystal Lee, as op shopping was one of her favourite hobbies.
Where is it? 153 Commercial Road, Koroit
The Good Op Shop
Image: The Good Op Shop
The Good Op Shop is built around sustainable shopping, with all proceeds going to native wildlife and plant conservation. The store has supported a range of causes in this space; BirdLife Australia, Turtles Australia, the Bob Brown Foundation, Marine Conservation Society, among many others.
The shop stocks clothes, books, toys, craft supplies, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, records, and of course much more.
Where is it? 4 Lewis Drive, Castlemaine
The Big R’s Shed
Image: The Big R’s Shed
As the name suggests, this spot is built around four big R’s - Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose and Restore. The shop offers employment opportunities to community members with disabilities, selling pre-owned goods from sporting equipment to furniture to clothes to homewares.
Where is it? 11 Albert Street, Warrnambool
Ballarat’s Rainbow Rack
image: Ballarat’s Rainbow Rack
This shop specialises in re-selling pre-loved fashion for members of the LGBITQA+ community, who are undergoing transitioning or experiencing hard times.
All proceeds go to the Binder Project, providing free and affordable binders to gender-diverse locals.
Where is it? 209 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central
Argyle Shop
Image: The Argyle Shop
The Argyle Shop sells unwanted items, with the added bonus of the team making the trip to houses to pick up the goods themselves.
Where is it? 210 Gray Street, Hamilton
Lions Club Op Shop & Book Shop
This store focuses on books, clothes and bric-a-brac with prices as low as $1. They use funds to give back to local projects and build up a sense of community through volunteering.
Where is it? 206 Warrenheip Street, Buninyong
Header Image: The Good Op Shop