The new Australian Red Cross Superstore recently opened up next door to my favourite St Vinnies…read moreop-shop, opposite the Findon Library and Shopping Centre. Needless to say, I got pretty excited. Sadly, while it is undoubtedly enormous, the excess of products doesn't improve the overall quality. The store conforms to the slightly higher prices of Red Cross shops, and there wasn't anything good enough to warrant paying more than I would next door. They have lot of new clothing, some of which is quite awful - dresses that have the sides cut out of them to be only a bikini top, strip over the belly and a skirt (reminiscent of that horrible fashion of bathers). The second-hand clothing is much more normal, and there is a LOT of it, in women's, men's and children, and for once the latter two sections are fully stocked. What I really like about this shop is that it colour codes its sections, thus, being a person who only likes certain colours, I can go straight to the green section and avoid all others. The men's section made me chuckle, because I can see guys being quite happy to beeline to their favourite chunk of colour; for making shopping easier, we thank you Red Cross. I also enjoy how the whole store is set out neatly and tidily. It has a calming feel about it, appealing to the small voice of OCD inside many of us. The book corner, while neat and attractive, sadly doesn't have much substance. Half the entire stock is "Adult Fiction" while the rest is just not-so-great fiction. I didn't spot any authors I'm keen on, except a battered Stephen King and a Simone de Beauvoir in the original French. However, I won't judge too harshly too soon. Op-shops often need time to develop and get in some good stock, so I'll be back in a month or two to check out its development.

Op shops work hard to put all our off-casts to good use, and this store is no exception. With a…read morehuge range of well organised stock, I personally have found many treasures over the years of visiting and the strong customer base is testament to this store being worth a visit. The previous reviewer does not seem to understand that op shopping is a commitment to patience and gratitude for the gems that are frequently found, but not by those expecting to find them served up on a silver platter, with a minimum of effort. With four other big op shops a step away, this Red Cross is an op shopper's delight!

I used to make a special effort to get to this lovely op shop on the other side of town…read more Now I find their prices match the big commercial op shops so it's not worth bothering. If you live near by you can probably afford to shop there and they do often get quality stuff so it's worth checking out.

Run by Clayton-Wesley Uniting Church , all profits from the op shop goes to the local and…read moreinternational outreach programs. With a chapel-inspired shaped door, this op shop is fantastic with prices and good stock. Rows of wooden racks displaying women's clothing, men's clothing, kids clothing and vintage tops are aplenty. I spotted some pretty evening dress shoes, most going for under $10. Am sure most ladies can relate to how expensive shoes are nowadays. Expect to find lots of Mummy groups here as they dive into kids international brands, such as Pumpkin Patch, Esprit and Gap, all going for great prices. I spotted plenty of vintage furnitures and stunning bric a brac pieces. This has got to be one of the cheapest op shop in the city. Bring a bag or two to stock up at your next visit. Caution: Highly addictive!

I am not entirely sure what the owner's purpose for running this op shop is. It doesn't appear to…read morebe for a charity, but prices are so cheap that I can't really see it as a place for people who want to make wads of folding money. The only other possibility I can think of is that the owners/workers are passionate about thrift in general, or maybe about recycling and cutting down waste, but I really don't know. Whatever their motives the result is an op shop that has items that are dirt cheap. I often find myself scurrying quickly away from the place in case they change their mind and charge me double on my items--that's right, a whole 80 cents, that's almost a $1! There is even an area outside and to the right of the entrance that has a sign "FREE" where items are free for people to take. No matter how many times you double check, they really mean it, that area is free. From the free zone I've wombled home wine glasses and shoe preservation boxes. Inside the store is three rooms: one for clothes, one for kitchenalia, and one for bric-a-brac and books. They've said they also have a furniture section but if there is one I couldn't work out how to get there but my guess is that it is next door to the main shop.

Suggest people search www.secondchanceinc.org to find out what this charity is all about. The…read morefurniture section is huge and is at 131 Richmond Road, Richmond, 5042. A very worthwhile organisation!

This is a hidden gem of an op shop. The prices here are just... incredibly good. I think it's fair…read moreto say that I made out like a bandit here. I got a porcelain jug for $2, some jewellry for $4 for 4 pieces, and a ginger pot for $1. Plus books. Staff are completely lovely. This is a great shop that's a bit of a TARDIS--it's bigger on the inside. In fact, there is what one of the lovely ladies called "a treasure room" out the back, so don't think it's just the front part, there's this extra bit out the back with bric-a-brac, shoes, vintage clothes and other things. Then near the change rooms, there's another little hidden room, with cushions, sheets, blankets and baby things. Really great little store and this is another must visit again on my op shop list.

I'm kinda afraid to write about Hosanna op shop, as it might lure more people here. I want them all…read morefor myself! Can't I? Must I share this with you? Oh well, here we go. An absolute gold mine. Everything here is cheap with a capital 'C' and the stock is amazingly good and varied. Last winter, they had a stunning collection of faux fur jackets, absolutely fashionable and just short of a magazine shoot. The leather shoes are plentiful here and at such incredible prices. The shop layout is huge and divided with clothing, bric a brac, bevy of hats and scarves, bling accessories and so much more! For someone who thrives on handbags, I found so many collections here. Some in leather, some canvas and delightful totes. Oh, I could just stare at them for hours! It's definitely worth a trip here, as you'll find many op shops in this area. Meet neighbour Salvos who's just next door, and you'll also find another Salvos branch and Goodwill just down the road in Findon. So know that I've told you about the best op shop in town, you have my permission to visit Hosanna, as long as I'm allowed to tag along! :p

I've been finding that some of the chain stores like Salvos & even Savers are wising up to brands &…read moretrends and pricing accordingly. I went to a Salvos the other day looking for a dress up outfit and a disgusting 70's dress was priced at $59.95!! Excuse me?! Did you know you're an OP SHOP??!! I have to say I'm with Kamini here... a little loathe to share it but since I'm so nice I can't help myself! Hosanna Op Shop is one of the best op shops I have ever been to. They are still run by little old ladies who price things as op shop items should be priced. There was a plethora of brown and black school shoes (should you ever need a thousand pairs of them), great vintage items, loads of hats, scarves and bags and some very good near new clothing and homewares stuff. As well as that there's a great selection of preowned books and I have managed to pick up a few gems there :) I'm finding lately that it's better to find those little church run op shops than go to the big chains, as they tend to have the bargains as well as volunteer staff who are always friendly! You won't regret visiting this humble little shop.

A hidden op shop gem. Full of all sorts, this is one of the bigger op shops I have come across…read more The staff are volunteers and the shop is integrated into the minda home. Those who live in the home can come in and take anything they want - it truly is touching to see the kids come in eagerly looking for new toys that have arrived. Unfortunately the store is only open on Mondays from 9-12 but the staff are lovely and very helpful when you're looking for something specific. When partaking in love performance, this is the first place I come to for costume ideas.

Funds from this Charity Op Shop go towards vulnerable children and families…read more Puddle Jumpers Inc.- They do a great job in providing camps for children who do not live with their birth parents, fostered children and their carers. There is also a Monday 'Community Food Night', where families who are finding it a struggle can get free food, free haircuts and a nice hot meal, while the children play in a big playground. All this is presented in a safe environment. Plus they do more. xx

Cheapity cheap cheap…read more If you fine ladies of the Glenelg area don't want your designer clothes and shoes and handbags anymore then I'll surely take them off your hands. you can often find clothing of this calibre at this particular Salvo's store. This is a treasure hunt you simply must embark on because there's another exciting designer dress around every corner (who gives this stuff away??) and you can deck yourself out in no time. It's not just clothing, there is all the other second hand stuff like old lamps and toys and forks. this sort of thing doesn't really excite me all to much so I can't say I've spent too much time milling around in this section, but if it's anything like the clothing section then I'd say it's worth a scrounge.

This has to be one of the best Salvo stores because it is situated right in the heart of the…read morepremier beach side suburbs ergo lots of well heeled types dropping off designer label items they no longer want. I often wander in here when I am doing my shopping, more for the second hand books but I occasionally have a look around the well laid out clothing section. It is a great place to pick up just about anything you need. There are the usual racks full of clothes and detritus from the elderly people who maybe aren't around anymore to wear or use them but then you have the more exciting racks of clothes for all ages where you can find designer label jeans and other clothing items at a great price. You can usually find some little bit of gold as you sift through the pebbles. Half the fun is in finding your personal treasure, because as they say "one man's junk is another man's treasure" or something like that anyway. It is quite a large store with a whole room behind the clothing that stocks household items, furniture, books, toys and all sorts of paraphernalia. If you are in to op shopping this is a must visit and relatively unknown unless you are a local because it is off the beaten track.

Any southern suburbs Op-Shop/Second-hand aficionado worth their salt knows about this shop/sale…read more Every first Sunday of the month (unless a public holiday conflict should postpone it until the following weekend) the sale Brigadoons the sheded area by the train tracks, bringing mystical treasures with it. The Lions Club of Brighton volunteers are friendly and helpful and wander around in yellow and navy uniforms to pay and assist. Although most are quite a bit older than me, they're all fun and easy to talk to, always ready for a chit chat or a joke. They're good eggs. The sale operates for fundraising purposes for the club and the many charity and motivational programs that it runs. They can give change but I'd bring some. If you want some absolute steals then I suggest getting there as close to 9am as possible, as along with op-shop enthusiasts, antique/second-hand dealers also know about this sale and tend to get in right on the gate's opening. This place has a massive range of bric-a-brac, furniture, tools, books, records and clothes (see photos), so chances are if you are looking for something in particular it will be there, or show up one Sunday. Despite the place having everything, it also has a big turnover of goods/donations and each Sunday it'll have one of a kind items (the like of which you will not get elsewhere). It's not the place to consider buying something, it won't be there again when you go back. For example, Sunday a month ago I considered buying this giant Statue of David alcohol bottle and this Sunday looked, nope, not there. What was there this Sunday for me was a vintage chrome and formica sewing table for $5, a hat with a $250 tag still inside also for $5, and an amazing jacket that makes me look the business. I also bought a replacement guitar hero guitar for my brother which they've said if it doesn't work I can return to the bookshop on Thursday. On Thursdays during the week the Lions Club of Brighton run the bookshop portion of this sale. Some hard to find books are here and everything is labelled and in separate sections for easy browsing.