Eumundi Voice - Issue 87, 22 February 2024

Unaffordable opportunities

With rising costs for rent, food and petrol, most Australians have cut back spending on nonessential items. While op-shops once provided an opportunity to find affordable clothing, furniture, toys, etc. social media pages reveal concerns that prices in some op-shops are higher than the original retail price.

Imagine an incredible $250 for a plain dinner set, a used phone case for $80, a t-shirt marked $8 that was $2 new at Kmart and a toilet brush holder marked as a ‘marble pen holder' for $10.

“Op-shops are meant to be helping the community so people can buy affordable clothing and support a cause or charity. I walk into them and can't afford it,” said one local. Customers accept that overheads like rent and electricity have increased but price-hikes can be well above what is necessary. One lady complained her ‘Salvos’ no longer sells single plates, only complete sets at a higher price than the original shop tag attached.

The Sunshine Coast has an abundance of opshops raising funds for worthy causes locally and internationally. Vedra is Manager at Noosaville’s Making Lives Matter store and said all goods are donated and prices kept down to give back to the community. They decide prices but will negotiate and sometimes give away items.

“We are non-government, non-denominational and will help anyone. With 'Love Conquers All' as our motto, the store has returned $250,000 to the community.”

Op-shops play a vital role in a circular economy, diverting tonnes of textiles from landfill each year while providing affordable stylish options for all budgets. Australia is the second-highest consumer of textiles after the US and we recycle around 7,000 tonnes of textiles a year. Recent YouGov research revealed 75% of Australian adults threw out clothes last year with 30% throwing out more than 10 items.

Op-shoppers on social media recommend checking the original retail price online and challenging ridiculous price tags. Shop around as there are still great bargains to be found!