In recent years, op shopping has blossomed into more than just a pastime; it’s become a cultural movement.
What was once viewed as a hidden gem for bargain hunters and vintage enthusiasts has become a mainstream trend over the years, with thrifting growing in popularity; a popularity that really began back in the 70s.
Whether it’s the thrill of uncovering unique treasures, the sustainable aspect of repurposing pre-loved items, or the rising cost of fast fashion, thrift stores have become a go-to destination for those seeking something different.It’s a refreshing shift as the act of recycling our clothing, homewares, knickknacks and more, encourages a more conscious approach to consumerism.
In a world increasingly aware of its environmental footprint, shopping secondhand is a small act that makes a big difference—one item, one wardrobe, and one choice at a time.
I spoke to some long-time pros in the game to see which spots they were perusing…
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
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Alixandra, who frequents her local oppies multiple times a week, dove into her list of faves for you:
“I like Vinnies on Pako, it’s a good spacious size with a large amount of clothing (mens and womens), books, toys, and kitchenwares.
“Salvos South – probably one of the best in Geelong at the moment for used furniture, plus a massive clothing section, bedding, a good selection of electrical and books. So much furniture and stock is regularly updated. A great amount of bags, shoes, toys, games, kids clothing and more.
“Salvos Bell Park is great for furniture, bags, shoes, bedding and knickknacks.
“Salvos Moolap is probably my fave op shop to go to; it’s a massive store with great furniture and is always super clean. There’s great mens and womens clothing sections, DVDs, books and electrical.
“Salvos Newcomb is also a big location and is really good for books, there’s so many. Good clothing options and records.
“They’ve even let us go through the back stock on a few occasions.
“MS Community Shop on Pakington Street have the friendliest staff, it’s a smaller shop but so good for books and kitchen, it’s always nice to browse in there.
“Lifeline Grovedale probably has the best book selection of all Geelong oppies. It’s a fun store to look around, there’s always something new.
“3216 Connect gets a special shoutout because I know they help with food vouchers and have personally given my family food before in rough times.
“Lifeline Breakwater is big and spacious, always has good finds and is usually pretty good for furniture but used to be better when you were allowed to look through the back part of the warehouse. Just sayin’.”
Barwon Heads local, Zaya, flagged two offerings in Geelong West:
- Vinnies – 53-55 Pakington Street
- Geelong West Uniting Op Shop – 23 Pakington Street
As well as these hot spots:
- Vinnies – 162 Fyans Street, South Geelong
- The Wave Op Shop – 28 Hodgson Street, Ocean Grove (also backed up on the list from another thrift enthusiast)
- Salvos – 2-4/22 Hancock Street, Drysdale
And another avid thrifter, Evie, highlighted these fab finds:
- Vinnies – 18 Marine Parade, Ocean Grove
- Salvos -81 Barwon Terrace, South Geelong
- Belmont Markets (on a good day) – 1 Barwon Heads Rd, Belmont
- Salvos – 14 Gilbert St, Torquay
For those with a bit more padding in their wallet (unfortunately I do not fall into this category, I put aside money to save for a fancy steak dinner night and scoff at the price of raspberries) here’s a list of local vintage markets which have a huge range of fantastic finds – just a little pricier than the oppies.
Vintage Markets
Geelong Vintage Market
287-301 Melbourne Rd, Geelong (off Mackey St)
Located inside the Pivot City complex, this market is home to a million-and-one thing you didn’t know you needed: mid-century furniture, vintage clothing, LPs, collectibles, jewellery, old tools, toys and everything in between.
The Amazing Mill Markets
114 Bellarine Hwy, Whittington
Amazing is right. The Mill Markets on the Bellarine Highway in Newcombe, just east of Geelong, is straight-up incredible. Row upon row of vintage clothing, books, paintings, furniture, jewellery, antiques, memorabilia, fine china, old coins and collectibles. There’s a café on-site, and it’s a bit of a mission; so we reccomend dedicating at least an hour or two: you’ll need it to get through everything. This place is massive.
Recycle Warehouse
116 Furner Avenue, North Geelong
Recycle Warehouse believe in recycling and upcycling the old chic of yesterday into the groovy, funky and sustainable items of tomorrow. Recycle Warehouse and Vogue Vintage are pleased to be able to bring you their Vintage Markets! These markets are the perfect chance to explore an eclectic mix of stalls, live entertainment and secondhand shopping, all in one vibrant space.
Moorabool Antiques
16/18 Ryrie St, Geelong
Today it offers a vast range of Genuine Antiques from the Victorian, Georgian and earlier periods, including Pottery and Porcelain, Glass, Silver, Old Sheffield, Artworks, Furniture, Australiana, Antiquities and Natural History.
It’s important to note that, while op shopping offers numerous benefits, it’s not without its drawbacks. One of the key issues lies in the original intent of these stores—op shops were created to support individuals and families from low-income backgrounds, offering affordable goods and necessities.
The rise in demand can lead to the gentrification of thrift stores, where donations are curated to appeal to a more mainstream market, rather than catering to the original mission of serving those in need. The growing popularity of thrifting can also unintentionally drive up the prices of secondhand items, diminishing the cost-effectiveness that initially made them accessible to people from lower economic status.
You can read more about this here.
