Op Shop

A charity shop, thrift shop, thrift store, commonly known as an op shop, is a retail establishment run by a charitable organisation to raise money.

Op shops sell various second hand goods, which have been donated for the purpose. Because the items for sale were obtained for free, and business costs are low, the items can be sold at competitive prices. After costs are paid, all remaining income from the sales is used in accord with the organisation’s stated charitable purpose. In Australia, major national op shop chains include the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store (trading as Vinnies), the Salvation Army (trading as Salvos), the Red Cross, MS Australia, and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence. Many local charitable organisations, both religious and secular, run opportunity shops, common among these are missions and animal shelters.

Buying clothes from “op shops” appeals to customers on a variety of levels. For some it is a social or environmental statement, recycling usable clothes instead of buying new. For others ops shops offer endless opportunities to find unique, clothing options and accessories. On this level, op-shopping is very popular amongst social groups who focus on stylised, antique, or “retro” fashions.

Op shopping is also popular for financial reasons, as second-hand clothes and accessories are less expensive than buying those items new. Items which may only be worn once are often picked up at an op shop; items for themed or fancy dress parties are a good example of this.