We went here today in search of a desk, and sadly, didn't find one. Well, we did, but it kind of…read morehad a SOLD sticker hanging off it, and when we enquired as to whether it was actually sold (since the sticker looked old and was hanging on by a corner), no one seemed to know, or wanted to find out. We had a look around anyway, and this place is a hipster's paradise. Most of it is genuinely old, and slightly overpriced. I got two sewing patterns for $2 apiece (and they weren't even that great), and other op shops are selling them for around 50 cents each. We also grabbed a couple of spanners for $2 each, and I got some zips and piping for another $2. There is a large section of stuff that isn't secondhand and is brand new, and is extremely expensive. I saw a set of double bed sheets with foxes on them for $214. I know foxes are "in" right now, but seriously. Obviously very much taking advantage of the whole "vintage vibe" that people are loving right now, and good on them I guess, but I was looking for genuinely old, unfashionable secondhand stuff, and of that there just wasn't that much, sadly.

The coolest second hand and collectibles store in Auckland for sure. The mass size of this…read morewarehouse is amazing and full of everything from a Tonka truck for the kid to vintage surfboards that make the man cave look awesome. My first visit to J & D I spent over an hour and a half just wandering back and forth peering at peoples past belongings. I have purchased a beautiful vintage glass cake platter the kind that nana used to have, and a glass perfume spray bottle that opens up and allows you to fill it up with any scent you wish. Prices are not too pricey, so won't break the bank. If you love exploring antique stores give this a try you might find a painting that inspires you, or a vintage lounge suite to redecorate with? Staff are helpful however, usually only one person working the store. Be prepared for cool and cool is what you will get.

I have been into the Salvation Army Red Shield Shop in Avondale several times, to donate and to…read moreshop. The staff have consistently been helpful and friendly. The prices are really good - I am almost tempted to keep such a gem a secret, but profits are going to charity, so I better not! There are sales occasionally but they don't really need too - the prices are so good already. They have a few racks of men's and children's clothing, but by far it is for women, and I have even spotted (and bought) traditional Indian attire. The turn over of clothing seems pretty consistent too. The place is a bit hot and stuffy, but several fans are generally placed around the place to make it bearable. They also sell a few household pieces of crockery and glassware, that stuff doesn't turn over so fast.

I understand this is a thrift shop but what we don't need is really krappy service from the staff…read more I was waiting to be served but had to wait for the staff member on the phone who was on the phone talking about a late payment on a bill she had. I mean really. Using the phone in the shop to catch up on your bills. Is there a reason why the changing room has so much boxes in it? Shop is finally tidy now, not like in the past. Prices are good.

Worst place to sell your items, terrible communication and dodgy behaviour from staffread more

I have shopped and sold items here over many years and they have gone to the dogs. Items you have…read morefor sale are given a short time to sell, if they don't sell you need to check the expiry date on the website, go into the store, find your items and take them back. It gets worse, if your items don't sell, they become the property of Recycle Boutique at which they might donate OR resell and keep the profits. It's complete BS. Be wary and read the fine print before selling with them.

If you want funky fashion thats affordable then this is a place to go.My friend and I walked past…read morehere a few years ago and have been going back to get bits and bobs ever since. Second hand items that are well looked after and well maintained, they have good brands and a good selection. The prices are reasonable and its easy to find some awesome buys. There is an awesome 21dollar rack where you can find some great little deals Bright and light fitting rooms, with loads of space for taking multiple items in with you. The sales staff are lovely and very helpful.

Finally, I've discovered a second-hand clothing boutique actually worthy of the title 'Boutique.'…read moreEncore is everything you want it to be: an absolute treasure trove of used designer clothes, well priced and well ordered. What separates this store from the others such as Recycle Boutique and Finders Keepers is that they actually make it feel boutiquey rather than op-shoppy in there. This means luxurious Laura Ashley-papered walls, funky lighting and spacious changing rooms and staff who can help you pick out outfits and advise you on almost anything in the store. The brands they sell can be anything from Vivienne Westwood to Kiwi favourites Karen Walker and Zambesi, all at massively discounted prices. Of course, you're still going to be paying more for the privilege of owning these items than you'd pay for lesser quality items in a chain store, but what you'll get in return are pieces that will last you a lifetime...or indeed items you'd probably be able to resell again for a tidy profit.

Vixen: A retro-monster that swallows you whole and then spits you out some time later, slightly…read morelighter on the cash and a little wiser in the wonderful ways of all that is vintage clothing. This shop has everything - men's, women's, and a kick-arse haul of vintage boots. It's the best place to start any serious hunt for a specific vintage piece, whether it's a dress, a sweatshirt, or something from the amazing range of accessories - gloves, handbags, scarves, and sunnies. Unlike some other large retro clothing shops, the stock at Vixen changes all the time - a testament to it's large fan base that keeps coming in and collecting goodies!

If you're wondering how cool Vixen is - let me tell you a story. A few years ago now, a young…read moreAmerican walked into the store to have a look around, but the store assistant told him Vixen was closing and he would have to come back another time. After sending the man packing and scratching his head, the store assistant would later click that she had sent alt-country superstar Ryan Adams on his way; she was to see him in concert that night. If you're looking for a secondhand store that is packed enough with Americana to entice Ryan Adams, and too cool for him to even get a look-in, Vixen's your place.

I decided to check out Rosies because I just loved the intricately croched and crafted signage…read moreoutside the front door. Actually you need to take the steep stairs to reach this second hand shop. If vintage is what you are after, you will find it here in Heather's store, named after her daughter Rosie. The shelves are jam packed with an eclectic mix of vintage and retro gear for men and women. There is a good representation of the best of the 70s, 80s, and some label clothing including Trelise Cooper as well as leading labels. Prices for these well worn and pre-loved clothes are reasonable, lots in the $10 to $20 range. If you love to wear something unique, pre-washed and one of a kind then pop into Rosies.

I used to love Rosies so much. Was my favourite op shop in Glen Eden and I would make special trips…read moreto Glen Eden just to come to Rosies, every weekend in fact. Not only was the selection of clothes here far better than other shops, I loved the store and how it was set up and I loved the service you'd get when you came here. Walk up the steep stair case and you'll find the little marvellous shop. These days Rosies is still great, but the selection of clothes has gone far more hippy-ish, which is great, but not my style. And I've found it is a lot more expensive than it once was, but still affordable. Rosies used to buy your clothes as well, but I'm not sure if they still do that.

As far as Hospice Shops so I like to frequent them, I like to donate clothes to them and I like…read morewhere the profits go, to Hospice. More than one family member of my extended family has used the service of Hospice and we appreciate the amazing work this organization does. So as far as Blockhouse Bay Hospice Shop goes, this is a lovely one. Very room inside where the racks aren't too cluttered. I liked the bargain boxes outside and had a good rifle through them on this hot afternoon. Prices are right, cheap, and there is loads of stuff here, clothes, nick nacks, household effects, shoes, pet gear, you name it and the best thing is that there is always a different bargain to find because that's just the ever changing nature of op shops. Thanks to the hard working, really friendly volunteers who man these shops too!

What a beauty little hospice with two areas of home decor stuff, crafty things, a small kids…read moresection, men's women's and kids clothes, frames and pictures and more. Located on the main drag in Blockhouse Bay township it's easy to get to. Parking is out front if you're lucky or nearby. Did I mention the ladies in there are dolls who seem to enjoy volunteering there and are very happy to converse about the weather and life in general. What a wonderful addition to Blockhouse Bay and long it may live. Feel free to donate anytime. :)

This place was charming and drew me in with a great window display. And there appeared to be a…read moregreat amount of inventory. Had I had more time, I would have perused the racks. Unfortunately, I was in a rush. But if you're in the neighborhood, check out Tatty's if you have time.

Tatty's really hits the mark between a great mix a secondhand designer gear and other,…read moreless-designer but unique pieces, often from overseas. It's a lovely place to pop in and have a rummage as there always seems to be lots new in, plus they play awesome music. I reckon the best buys are to be had down the back of the store, where there are racks of things squished close together. Perhaps people can't be bothered to shove them aside, or they don't have the upper arm strength, I'm not sure. But it always ends up being where I find the best goodies!

Aunty Mavis feels just like that - it's as if you've stepped into your elderly aunt's house where…read moreeverything is a jumble of treasures waiting to be discovered. Everything in the shop gives you the feeling that it's been hand-picked especially to bring a smile to your face. The shop is filled with excellent vintage crockery that's old enough to be quaint, but not yet old enough (or rare enough) to be really pricey. Think the mid-century stuff, like the less-collectable Crown Lynn. There's also a range of delectable linen and books, clothes (mostly from the 1970s), and household bits and pieces.

Buy these kind of things here:…read more 1. Vinyl travel bags with cute Air New Zealand logos and really great teal colourways. 2. Ancient dolls. 3. Plates. Lots of classy china. Also lots of Crown Lynn for people who really love to eat off of expensive plates which are sometime kind of ugly but are always genuine 'heritage pieces'. 4. Wooden stuff. Eg: old spice rack. 5. Old books and 'boys and girls annuals'. 6. Dresses for girls that have flowers or patterns or whatever. 7. Teaspoons. Awesome teaspoons with the queen on them. 8. Possibly hot water bottle covers. 9. Old toasters. 10. Well designed clocks. 11. Whimsical design pieces. 12. Those things where you store your bread. 13. Maybe gollywogs? At the very least, go there to look that the owner lady's really great hair and glasses.

This lovely store selling mostly women's clothing and accessories is a relatively new addition to…read moreAvondale. The woman behind the counter has always presented herself with a big smile ready to assist the potential customer. The clothing range predominantly stock bold colours and large print designs. Casual or elegant evening wear to chose from. I am especially taken with her gorgeous bags, casual beach bag styles with lovely designs, mostly modern or ethnic prints - for $10!!! I hope those prices stay the same as I am keen to stock up on some for presents for the many female family members later in the year. The clothing appears to be better quality than anything else I have seen in Avondale retail shops and I hope the business is here to stay. They are situated across the road from the local library a few doors down on Rosebank Road.